Two men have been arrested in Washington, D.C., by the FBI for allegedly impersonating Department of Homeland Security agents for more than two years, an affidavit said.
On top of acting as agents, the two men, Adrian Taherzadeh and Haider Ali, also gave expensive gifts to federal agents in D.C., providing them apartments and offering to purchase a weapon for a Secret Service agent assigned to First Lady Jill Biden, according to an affidavit viewed by CNN.
The phony agents allegedly gave "rent-free apartments" estimated to cost more than $40,000 annually to members of the U.S. Secret Service and a DHS employee. At the same time, the affidavit said they were impersonating agents.
Four Secret Service agents have now been placed on administrative leave, waiting for investigations into their conduct.
Among the gifts the two defendants gave federal agents, Taherzadeh reportedly offered to purchase a $2,000 assault rifle for a Secret Service agent and provided an agent a "rent-free penthouse apartment."
Other gifts included "iPhones, surveillance systems, a drone, a flat-screen television, a case for storing an assault rifle, a generator, and law enforcement paraphernalia," according to the affidavit.
The Secret Service has commented on the situation, saying they are cooperating in the investigation.
"The Secret Service has worked, and continues to work, with its law enforcement partners on this ongoing investigation. All personnel involved in this matter are on administrative leave and are restricted from accessing Secret Service facilities, equipment and systems. The Secret Service adheres to the highest levels of professional standards and conduct and will remain in active coordination with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security," the Secret Service said in a statement to CNN.
To pose as federal agents, both Taherzadeh and Ali allegedly obtained assault rifles, handguns, and other items.
The two men are currently being held awaiting their arraignment in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
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