A U.S. Department of State official was indicted on fraud and bribery charges for allegedly issuing visas to Armenian foreign nationals in exchange for cash. The official, Piotr Parlej, was arraigned last week in U.S. District Court in Washington and pleaded not guilty to visa fraud, bribery and conspiracy charges.

The U.S. Magistrate Judge presiding over the case ordered Parlej to remain in jail while he weighs the prosecutions’ argument that the defendant is likely to leave the country if freed on bond. In regard to him being likely to flee the country, prosecutors noted his very few ties to the United States and none in the Washington region with the exception of one friend.

As a U.S. consular, Parlej’s duties included interviewing visa applicants and issuing visas if the necessary qualifications were met. The indictment alleges Parlej issued unwarranted visas to six foreign nationals in Armenia for as much as $10,000 on each occasion.

The State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service led the investigation and, upon informing Parlej of the allegations, urged him to come back to the United States. He returned to the Washington region, where he was arrested.

If convicted, Parlej faces between five and 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.