ALBANY — A state and federal investigation is underway into hundreds of migrant workers employed as computer programming consultants for New York state agencies. The probe was triggered by reports that many of these workers may have submitted fraudulent residency documents or falsified professional backgrounds.
The workers are contracted through private IT firms that hold contracts worth millions with the state. Some of these employees, who work on an hourly basis, are in positions that give them access to sensitive data, including personal information about state residents, businesses, and government workers, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The investigation is being led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the state inspector general’s office. Investigators have been in discussions with the U.S. attorney’s office in Albany, sources said. Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, which became aware of the situation at least six months ago, has not yet publicly addressed the investigation.
On May 28, Gregory Anderson, the governor’s deputy director of state operations, sent a memo to state agencies informing them that the inspector general’s office had uncovered instances of fraud. The memo specifically noted that some individuals placed under the state’s Hourly-Based IT Services (HBITS) contract had provided false qualifications or backgrounds in their job applications.
The memo, which was shared with the Times Union by a confidential source, reminded agency officials of their responsibility to properly vet all individuals hired under the HBITS contract. This includes verifying references and ensuring candidates meet the necessary qualifications for the job.
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