US consular official in Guyana embroiled in 'sex for visa' scandal

US state department has reportedly acknowledged that a consular official posted in Guyana is allegedly involved in trading visas for money and sex.

The State department spokeswoman said that the department is aware of allegations of 'improprieties' adding that it takes all the allegations of misconduct by employees seriously, Fox News reports.

Publisher of Guyana Observer, Marck Benschop who investigated about the official, said that he is allegedly in touch with 'questionable characters' ranging from 'unscrupulous businessmen' to people in the drug trade.

Benschop further said that a source close to the official said that visa deals were priced as high as 40,000 dollars adding that the official also issued 'dozens' of visas to Guyanese women for sex.

Other allegations indicate that the official used a popular Georgetown, Guyana restaurant and bar to conduct his business, while some allege that the scam may be going on for months.

The spokeswoman further said that the department is reviewing the matter thoroughly and if the allegations are substantiated they will work with the relevant authorities to hold those involved accountable, the report added.