Federal prosecutors in New Jersey have charged Muhammad Muzammal, 37, and Muhammad Shakeel, 62, with illegally voting in the 2020 presidential election and subsequently lying under oath while applying for American citizenship. The indictments, filed on December 22, 2025, accuse the men of falsely claiming US citizenship to register and vote in New Jersey.
Both men, who were non-citizens at the time, allegedly certified false US citizenship on their voter registration forms. Despite lacking citizenship, they voted in the 2020 general election. The indictments also claim that Muzammal and Shakeel lied on their naturalization applications, stating they had never registered to vote or voted in any election.
Prosecutors further allege that during their naturalization interviews, both men falsely asserted they had never voted in any election. Muzammal, a lawful permanent resident, is accused of voting in the 2020 election and making false statements during his citizenship application process. Shakeel faces similar allegations in his indictment.
If convicted, the defendants could face significant penalties.
