María de Lourdes Van-Caneghem, a Cuban woman with a lengthy criminal past, was taken into custody this Wednesday in Miami Beach. She is accused of impersonating an immigration officer and defrauding several individuals seeking legal status in the United States. The latest investigation into the 50-year-old began in March 2025 when a victim, Elda Hernández, reported handing over nearly $3,000 to the suspect in hopes of obtaining U.S. citizenship, only to be swindled.
Telemundo51 reported that three other women have made similar accusations against Van-Caneghem. Hernández was drawn to her because a friend vouched for the Cuban woman as an immigration official. Eventually, Hernández's friend, Leslie Angulo, also fell victim. She handed over approximately $2,300 in multiple payments after meeting Van-Caneghem in Miami. During this meeting, the suspect was dressed as an official and even took Angulo's fingerprints.
The Capture and Legal Proceedings
However, something felt off to Angulo during the encounter. Her suspicion grew, prompting her to research Van-Caneghem online, where she discovered the suspect's previous criminal activities. Miami Beach police arrested Van-Caneghem once it was confirmed that her Zelle and bank accounts were directly linked to the victims’ payments.
She is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK), facing at least 16 charges related to fraud. These include organized schemes to defraud, third-degree grand theft, fraudulent use of identification, and organized fraud.
A History of Repeated Fraud
This is not the first time María de Lourdes Van-Caneghem has faced charges for similar offenses. In December 2019, she was arrested in Hialeah for operating the travel agency “Ñooo, me fui,” located at 2201 Okeechobee Road in the city’s west. There, she sold fake tickets and car rental services to Cubans wishing to visit the island. Many of these customers lost thousands of dollars, only to find out at the airport that they couldn't travel.
In 2020, during the pandemic, Van-Caneghem was detained for staging a car accident and defrauding nearly $23,000 from a medical insurance company. She has also used false identities, such as the alias “María Romero,” when apprehended by the police in Medley.
In July 2022, she was arrested again for running the agency “Hello Cuba Travel” and scamming Cuban families with fake tickets to Cuba and Nicaragua. At that time, she faced 25 charges, and it was estimated she had defrauded more than $119,000. She was tried in March 2023, facing at least 25 charges, including grand theft and organized fraud.
Community Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities in Miami-Dade have repeatedly emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of anyone or any agency offering immigration services, especially within the Cuban community. Van-Caneghem's notoriety is such that her name has circulated in media and social networks for years. Many users question why she continues to be released after each arrest, allowing her to reoffend. Some have even suggested that her story resembles a plot from a crime series.
Meanwhile, Van-Caneghem remains in custody, and authorities are expected to disclose the total amount of money defrauded and whether new victims may emerge in this ongoing scam case in Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration Scams in Miami
What charges is Van-Caneghem facing?
Van-Caneghem is facing at least 16 charges related to fraud, including organized schemes to defraud, third-degree grand theft, fraudulent use of identification, and organized fraud.
How did victims get involved with Van-Caneghem?
Victims were often referred by friends who believed Van-Caneghem was a legitimate immigration officer. She convinced them by dressing as an official and performing actions such as taking fingerprints.
Has Van-Caneghem been involved in other scams?
Yes, she has a history of repeated fraud, including selling fake travel tickets and staging car accidents to defraud insurance companies.