The United States Recovers Money Stolen from Embassy Baku by Former Employee

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA  - A former employee of the United States Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, has paid the United States $128,000 to resolve allegations that he stole money from the State Department while employed at the embassy.

Rafiq Goyushov, a citizen of Azerbaijan, was employed by the State Department at the United States Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, for approximately 20 years. The settlement agreement resolves allegations that Goyushov, in his role as Housing Assistant with the General Services Office, made fraudulent payments on behalf of the Embassy to Azer Samedov, who then returned money to Goyushov.  These payments were for Goyushov’s benefit and were disguised as building operating and parking expenses for multiple residential units leased by Embassy Baku.  In reality, there was no valid contract between the State Department and Samedov. 

“The District of South Carolina was proud to partner with the Department of State in the worthwhile endeavor of holding accountable public servants who use their position to steal from taxpayers, even those who reside overseas,” stated Adair F. Boroughs, United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. 

“Due to the persistent effort of our special agents, Embassy Baku’s Regional Security Office and DOJ, a former locally employed staff member of Embassy Baku was held accountable for his nefarious actions. This is a clear demonstration of how the State Department’s OIG will not be deterred by the complexities involved with holding fraudsters accountable internationally,” stated Elisabeth Kaminsky, Special Agent in Charge, Department of State, Office of Inspector General.

The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina and the Department of State Office of Inspector General. The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Beth C. Warren in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, along with State Department OIG special agents.

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