A federal investigation is currently underway concerning Julia Varvaro, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), following a formal complaint filed with the DHS Inspector General. The complaint, lodged by a businessman identified as Robert B., alleges that Varvaro systematically extracted significant sums of money and luxury goods from men she met through dating applications, including himself. Varvaro, 29, who holds a 2024 doctorate in Homeland Security, was appointed to her current position in May 2025.
"I did nothing wrong. This is just a mad ex-boyfriend putting crap together." — Julia Varvaro, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism, Department of Homeland Security.
Robert B. claims his relationship with Varvaro began in December when they matched on the dating app Hinge. Over approximately ninety days, he alleges spending between $30,000 and $40,000. Their first date, according to Robert B., involved a $1,400 bill at a high-end French restaurant in Washington, D.C., for dinner, caviar, and cocktails.
The allegations detail several instances of high-spending trips and demands for luxury items. Robert B. claims he flew Varvaro first-class to Aruba for an extended Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Upon arrival at the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort, Varvaro reportedly expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "This is nice, but it’s not the Ritz." Robert B. subsequently upgraded their accommodations to the Ritz-Carlton at $1,700 per night. Before departing from Dulles International Airport for Aruba, Robert B. alleged to the Daily Mail that Varvaro arranged for a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) supervisor to escort them through security, a perk he claims was facilitated by her federal position.
During the Aruba trip, Varvaro allegedly requested a "souvenir" from a Cartier store. While Robert B. initially declined, he claims he later returned to the store after Varvaro reportedly told him, "I didn’t think you’d be so stupid not to get me a souvenir."
A second international trip in February took the couple to Italy and Switzerland. Robert B. states they spent Valentine's Day on the Italian Riviera and skied the Swiss Alps. In Milan, he says he purchased a $3,500 Bottega Veneta handbag for Varvaro, along with ski equipment and a $1,000 camera. During the planning of this trip, Varvaro allegedly mentioned her schedule flexibility, stating, "I’ve got a three-day weekend, but could extend it to a week. I’m the big boss and can do what I want." She also reportedly floated the possibility of securing VIP access to the Winter Olympics through federal contacts, remarking, "Well, I’m DHS counterterrorism, I might be able to get us behind the scenes. ICE works for me." The couple ultimately did not attend the Olympics.
Back in Washington, Robert B. claims financial requests continued. He states he wired Varvaro $2,000 for rent while she was furloughed. Text messages reviewed by the Daily Mail show Varvaro allegedly writing, "I’m not used to having to ask like this for a simple card or help with my rent especially being furloughed. Any past relationship would’ve jumped up and cared for me, which is what I like." In another exchange, she allegedly messaged, "I like feeling provided for and you’re not doing that for me, so not sure it will work." Robert B. reportedly responded by itemizing his expenditures: "I’ve dropped $30-40K on/with you in the three months we’ve dated. In the last week, you demanded I give you $4k for rent, $2k for Emsculpt, $1k sandals, a credit card and haven’t gotten to the weekend yet."
The complaint further alleges that Varvaro told Robert B. that previous "sugar daddies" had financed her education and provided jewelry valued at approximately $40,000. Robert B. also claims to have observed Varvaro use marijuana on at least eleven occasions. Varvaro denies these claims, telling the Daily Mail she has a legitimate Xanax prescription and does not use drugs recreationally.
The complaint also includes an allegation that Varvaro maintained a profile under the alias "Alessia" on "Seeking," a sugar-arrangement website, using a photograph also present on her personal Instagram account. The profile, reportedly created the day after Thanksgiving 2024, described her as "drawn to a masculine man who’s attentive, protective, and quietly playful for mutually beneficial experiences." This profile was reportedly removed after the Daily Mail sought comment, with Varvaro denying she ever had such a profile.
Former CIA operations officer Marc Polymeropoulos commented on the seriousness of the allegations, stating, "Allegations of a sugar daddy relationship and unreported income from that relationship are serious issues for DHS security personnel that need to be resolved. I would be curious to see what kind of vetting was done on her prior to her employment, given she would have been subject to a full background investigation. How did this not come up?"
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security issued a brief statement: "We do not comment on internal investigations." The Inspector General’s office declined to confirm or deny any active inquiry.
Julia Varvaro has rejected all allegations, telling the Daily Mail, "I did nothing wrong. This is just a mad ex-boyfriend putting crap together."
