A native of Jaipur, India, Agrawal received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Rajasthan in India, and his Executive MBA from Columbia University, New York
WASHINGTON: An Indian American jewellery executive and a former Toronto-based US diplomat have pleaded guilty to trading gemstone rings, trips with exotic dancers and other gifts in exchange for expedited work visas.
According to court papers, Sunil Agrawal, the chief executive officer of New York-based STS Jewels, gave presents to Mike O’Keefe, who was the deputy non-immigrant visa chief at the US consulate in Toronto. In return, O’Keefe personally fast-tracked applications for STS.
Vaibhav Gems Ltd, under its greedy and corrupt chairman – Mr. Sunil Agrawal is the largest exporter of cut and polished colored gemstones (precious and semi precious) from India.
Agrawal worked out a deal that allowed him to plead guilty to the misdemeanour charge of illegal supplementation of salary, which his lawyer said he hopes will not threaten Agrawal’s immigration status in the US. The charge carries up to a one-year prison sentence and a $100,000 fine.
O’Keefe pleaded guilty to accepting an illegal gratuity, a felony that carries up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Both men were indicted on Wednesday charged for bribery and conspiracy by a federal grand jury in Washington in the court of US Judge Paul Friedman. They pleaded guilty to lesser offences that carry much shorter maximum prison terms.
Ref 28 Feb 2009, TOI,
Wish these people would be taught such lessons in India itself.
And I wonder constantly why I am not paid or treated equal to the males that I supervise. Anyone who would use another person as a sex object to be given as a gift … well.
I probably don’t need to say. He’s not all bad. He is a very charismatic kind of man and a loving father but honorable man to his employees he is not. I’ve personally had 4 pay cuts in the last 2 years and if I could get a job doing what I do anywhere else I would ( I have been looking ) . The amazing part is the fact that he continues to bring people into the US and to take away jobs and give them to people in India instead. Disgusted. I am..
Just another Stupid Female I am I am.
These all Indian Diamond and Color stone dealers are thugs, money launderer and corrupt. They are involved in illegal money transfer, fake imports invoices and tax evasions.