Ex-Biden Administration Official Pleads Guilty in Major Fraud Scheme

Rare instances of fraud rarely reverberate within the grand halls of foggy bottom—but this time, the silence was broken.

In a shocking betrayal that has left the u.S. Diplomatic community reeling, a trusted senior budget analyst at the state department orchestrated a stealthy, two-year embezzlement scheme—draining over \$650,000 from government coffers with chilling precision.

Levita almuete ferrer, a 64-year-old veteran insider who also operated under the name levita brezovic, now finds herself at the heart of one of the most daring financial heists in recent federal history.

Her admission of guilt this week not only confirms the wrongdoing but also reveals the inner workings of a financially fragile system within one of the world’s most influential diplomatic organizations. What started as small adjustments to financial records and minor payments transformed into a complex scheme that infiltrated the core of American foreign policy. The question now circulating in Washington: how could such a blatant misuse of trust go unnoticed for so long?. 

Department of State Shocked by $650K Fraud Scandal. 

In a significant breach of trust at the foggy bottom, the U.S. State Department has been shaken by a sophisticated embezzlement scheme that siphoned off over \$650,000 from diplomatic funds. Levita almuete ferrer—also known as levita brezovic—a 64-year-old senior budget analyst in the office of the chief of protocol, was charged this week in federal court with stealing government property.

Her admission reveals concerning vulnerabilities in the department’s financial oversight. Over a span of two years, ferrer utilized her position and accounting knowledge to siphon off \$657,347.50 into her personal accounts, skillfully concealing her actions through the creation of false records. 

1: A two-year plan is unveiled. 

1.1. the extent of the deception. 

From March 2022 to April 2024, Ferrer distributed 60 checks to herself and three additional checks to an associate, all taken from official state department accounts. Each transaction was meticulously planned to evade detection, ultimately accumulating over \$650,000—a sum sufficient to finance multiple entry-level foreign service positions or sustain a small U.S. Consulate for a year. 

1.2 accuracy in performance. 

Prosecutors claim that ferrer personally printed, signed, and deposited the checks, bypassing the usual need for co-signatures. She then utilized her knowledge of the department’s quickbooks system to cover up the fraud: after issuing each check to herself, she modified the payee name in the system to resemble a legitimate vendor. 

2: The fraudulent mechanisms. 

2.1 misuse of power. 

Ferrer’s senior position granted her access to a diplomatic funds account specifically designated for urgent protocol expenses. However, due to a lack of supervision—no co-signers, no notifications—a single point of failure was established, allowing her to authorize and conceal fraudulent transactions. 

2.2 manipulating digital documents. 

Ferrer took advantage of a significant vulnerability in Quickbooks: the capability to modify payee fields after the fact. This enabled her to conceal personal payments as legitimate expenses, evading routine audits unless reviewers cross-referenced printed checks with actual bank statements. 

2.3 human oversight errors. 

Rafael Moreno, a cybersecurity expert, emphasized that this incident was not sophisticated hacking but rather a result of exploiting the disparity between digital and physical records. Ferrer ensured that the software appeared tidy, understanding that most finance personnel would not meticulously review every check stub. 

3: A prominent split, compromised. 

3.1. The protocol office’s importance.

The chief of protocol’s office is responsible for managing various tasks, including organizing state dinners, overseeing foreign diplomat accreditation, and overseeing the operations of blair house. It oversees billions of taxpayer dollars and holds a pivotal position in U.S. diplomacy. 

3.2 violation of institutional confidence. 

Ferrer, in charge of managing protocol budgets, had to ensure that his actions were conducted with utmost integrity. Her actions not only shattered the trust that was placed in her but also cast doubt on the credibility of the state department on the global stage. 

4: Who is the author of the play? 

4.1 professional experience. 

Although much of ferrer’s early career remains undisclosed, court records indicate that she climbed the ranks of federal financial management, assuming roles that demanded extensive technical knowledge and the confidence of her superiors. 

4.2 investigating intentions. 

Investigators are examining ferrer’s financial background to gain insight into the factors that influenced her decision to commit the crime. Common motivations for engaging in unethical behavior can stem from financial burdens, societal pressures, or a gradual erosion of moral values. As part of her agreement with the authorities, she is obligated to provide full cooperation. 

5: Consequences of Our Outcome 

5.1 fines and sanctions. 

Ferrer admitted to committing one count of theft involving government property, which can result in a maximum sentence of 10 years. Sentencing, set for September 18, will take into account the severity of the fraud, her level of cooperation, and her criminal record. 

5.2 restitution and asset confiscation. 

Ferrer consented to reimburse the complete stolen sum. A forfeiture judgment enables the government to reclaim assets—such as bank accounts, property liens, or asset liquidation—to safeguard taxpayer funds from potential losses. 

5.3 possible wider ramifications. 

Prosecutors may leverage her cooperation to uncover potential misconduct by vendors, consultants, or other insiders. 

6: Systemic Control Failures. 

6.1 absence of segregation of functions. 

To ensure effective internal control, it is crucial to distribute responsibilities among employees, with initiation, approval, and recording tasks being assigned to different individuals. This precautionary measure was noticeably lacking in ferrer’s situation. 

6.2 audit blunders.

Neither internal nor gao audits detected the fraud, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of the review process. The absence of surprise audits and the lack of cross-verification tools may have facilitated the undetected occurrence of fraud. 

6.3 susceptibility during transitions. 

Ferrer took advantage of a leadership change between administrations—a period typically characterized by frequent personnel changes and a lack of focus on regular oversight. 

7: A parallel scandal: diplomatic security in Brussels. 

7.1 accident at hotel amigo. 

Just before ferrer’s plea, another scandal surfaced involving a state department security officer. On March 31, 2025, in Brussels, the agent had a confrontation with hotel staff and Belgian police after being refused entry to a bar. Secretary Rubio was absent during the meeting. 

7.2 identified oversight issues. 

This separate incident emphasizes similar structural weaknesses: overworked staff, unclear responsibilities, and managerial gaps that result in lapses in behavior. 

8: Negative impact on international reputation.

8.1 eroding anti-corruption leadership. 

The United States consistently advocates for anti-corruption initiatives globally. Scandals such as ferrer’s serve as evidence for critics who argue that washington displays double standards. 

8.2 financial evaluation. 

Congress might take action by increasing its scrutiny of state department spending, which could lead to delays or reductions in funding for diplomacy, cultural initiatives, and foreign assistance. 

9: Pressure on secretary Rubio. 

9.1 too many headgear. 

Secretary of state marco rubio, who is also serving as acting national security adviser, usaid administrator, and interim archivist, may be overwhelmed with his responsibilities. His many duties raise doubts about efficient supervision. 

9.2 a requirement for delegation. 

Rubio might have to delegate financial oversight to experienced professionals and strengthen internal audit teams to regain trust and ensure responsible management.

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10: Suggestions for Change 

The following are the recommended actions by the experts: 

To ensure accountability and prevent any potential conflicts of interest, it is advisable to implement a system that requires two signatures for transactions and clearly defines the responsibilities of each party involved. 

Employ predictive analytics software to identify any abnormal financial transactions. 

Random audits: carry out unannounced inspections of both physical and digital records. 

Advocate for whistleblowers: safeguard workers who expose wrongdoing. 

Upgrade systems: transition from quickbooks to secure, enterprise-level platforms that restrict unauthorized changes to the back-end. 

Result: 

The case of levita almuete ferrer is not just about one employee’s deceit—it is a glaring indictment of the systemic weaknesses within one of the nation’s most prominent and influential institutions. Her $657,347.50 embezzlement, executed with alarming ease over two years, exposes how outdated systems, fragmented oversight, and unchecked authority can combine to create a perfect storm for financial misconduct.

This breach of trust happened not in the dark corners of government bureaucracy, but at the core of American diplomacy—a place where credibility, accountability, and integrity are not just ideals, but essential for effective operations. 

In addition to ferrer’s personal actions, the scandal has revealed significant flaws in the state department’s financial structure, prompting concerns about the existence of other undisclosed vulnerabilities. Alongside the recent Brussels security incident, the narrative is clear: America’s diplomatic machinery is facing strain, and without immediate reform, its internal weaknesses may gradually diminish its external impact. 

Now, with ferrer’s guilty plea officially documented and sentencing yet to be determined, the department is at a critical juncture. Will the solution merely fix the existing problems—or will it take advantage of this situation to introduce long-term changes?

Secretary Rubio, already overwhelmed with various responsibilities, needs to show strong leadership by giving more power to internal watchdogs, updating financial systems, and ensuring that no one, regardless of their position or length of service, can escape accountability. 

Only by embracing transparency, embracing modernization, and recommitting to ethical governance, can the state department initiate the healing process and restore the integrity that global diplomacy requires. The eyes of congress, the international community, and the American public are closely observing—not just to witness the outcome of justice, but to restore trust.