Julia Varvaro, who has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism since May 2025, is under investigation after a complaint was filed by Robert Bianchi, a software executive who claims he spent $40,000 on her during a three-month relationship. Bianchi, CEO of SDVO Solutions, a company that has supplied technology to DHS and other government agencies, filed the complaint with the DHS Inspector General, according to multiple sources.
In his complaint, Bianchi claims Varvaro had a profile on the sugar daddy website 'Seeking' under the name 'Alessia'. He alleges that Varvaro told him she had no college debt because sugar daddies paid for her education, and that the $40,000 worth of jewelry she wore were trophies from sugar daddies. Bianchi also accused Varvaro of consuming marijuana during their relationship. In a statement, Bianchi said: "I did not want a sugar daddy/prostitution relationship, after spending $30,000-$40,000 for vacations, Cartier jewelry, expensive handbags, and various shopping trips. She told me that she does not have college debt because sugar daddies paid for her college education. She also told me directly that the $40,000 worth of jewelry on her wrists and ears are all trophies from her sugar daddies. I believe that she's under financial stress and that her actions pose a security risk."
Varvaro denied having a profile on Seeking when questioned by the Daily Mail, and according to multiple reports, the profile was removed after the Daily Mail reached out for comment. Varvaro also adamantly denies consuming marijuana. According to Daily Mail - News, Varvaro described the relationship as exclusive and said she did not see a problem with going on vacation with her boyfriend. A DHS source told Daily Mail - Home that Varvaro was placed on administrative leave on Wednesday after the Daily Mail's story was published and is no longer serving in her capacity as Deputy Assistant Secretary.
Security sources told the Daily Mail that Varvaro's case is comparable to that of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's husband, who faced a similar investigation. The exact nature of the DHS Inspector General's investigation remains unclear, including what evidence has been gathered and whether any security breaches or conflicts of interest occurred. It is also unknown if other individuals have made similar complaints against Varvaro.