Federal prosecutors charged twelve people in a sweeping indictment for their alleged roles in an international conspiracy that combined alien smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering. Authorities say the scheme funneled more than $18 million through encrypted apps and fake immigration services.
“This indictment exposes a criminal organization that smuggled people into the United States on a massive scale,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti. “Posing as a legitimate immigration service, the defendants used social media promotions and false legal filings to attract new clients and perpetuate their fraud.”
DOJ: Fake Visa Services, Fraudulent Filings, and Private Flights
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the defendants built a vast criminal enterprise that smuggled thousands of Cuban nationals into the United States. They allegedly filed fraudulent visa applications, laundered payments through Zelle, and exploited asylum laws to expand the operation.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said that between January 2021 and June 2025, the group promoted bogus visa services online, convincing Cuban nationals they could enter the U.S. by pretending to be European citizens. To carry out the scheme, they filed hundreds of fake ESTA applications with fabricated documents and addresses—and even chartered private planes to move groups of migrants.
Sham Business Front
Authorities identified the defendants’ front company as ASESORIA Y SERVICIOS MIGRATORIOS LLC, which promised work permits and asylum filings. In reality, the DOJ said the business submitted boilerplate asylum claims—often without clients’ knowledge—and even blocked access to their USCIS accounts.
Among those charged are residents of Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Cuba.
The charges include:
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Conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain
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Alien smuggling
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Conspiracy to commit asylum fraud
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Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
Trafficking Vulnerable Victims
The DOJ revealed that the organization also trafficked unaccompanied minors, including one teenage girl told to pose as the lifelong friend of an unrelated adult man.
“We will not rest until those who profit from the suffering of vulnerable people—including many unaccompanied children—face severe, comprehensive justice,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Part of Operation Take Back America
The case falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration and transnational crime. Authorities expect more arrests and asset forfeitures as the investigation continues.
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