The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that several Cuban nationals are among a group of 12 individuals charged with operating an international criminal network involved in immigrant smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering. This organization, which has been active for over four years, is alleged to have illegally brought thousands into the United States by exploiting weaknesses in the immigration system.
"This criminal network functioned as a front for fraudulent asylum claims, generating frivolous applications nationwide," stated Joseph Edlow, director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in an official statement.
A Global Conspiracy Unveiled
Court documents reveal that the accused orchestrated a wide-reaching operation that targeted Cuban citizens, offering them entry into the U.S. through fraudulent visa requests and fabricated asylum programs. They established a business front named Immigration Advisory and Services LLC, through which they promised work permits and residency for substantial fees.
What started as a small-scale scheme evolved into a lucrative business enterprise, amassing over $18 million. The accused charged between $1,500 and $40,000 per individual, even renting private jets to transport entire groups of foreigners. They spent over $2.5 million on flights alone and funneled at least $7 million through payment apps like Zelle.
Deceptive Advertising and Social Media Exploitation
To attract customers, the network advertised its services on social media platforms and in WhatsApp groups, such as one called "U.S. ESTA and Tourist Visa Processing for Spanish Citizens." Their advertisements displayed passports, approved visas, and bundles of cash to project a false sense of legitimacy.
Simultaneously, they posted videos showing illegal entries into the country. The network even created prearranged asylum applications unbeknownst to clients, who were subsequently denied access to their online USCIS accounts.
Exploitation of Minors and Immigration Manipulation
The Justice Department highlighted that the network also trafficked unaccompanied minors. In one instance, a teenage girl was instructed to pose as the lifelong friend of an unrelated adult to cross the border.
Authorities emphasized that such activities not only violated laws but also endangered the victims, many of whom were in extremely vulnerable situations. "By masquerading as a legitimate immigration service, the accused used social media promotions and forged legal documents to lure new clients and sustain their fraud," said Acting Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Galeotti.
Details on the Accused
The individuals charged include residents from Florida, Tennessee, and Texas, as well as citizens still residing in Cuba. They are:
- Lázaro Alain Cabrera-Rodríguez, 27, Hialeah, FL (illegal resident)
- Yuniel Lima-Santos, 30, Tampa, FL
- Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Pérez, 26, Lebanon, TN (illegal resident)
- Marianny Lucia Lopez-Torres, 25, residing in Cuba, previously in Hialeah, FL
- Frandy Aragon-Diaz, 33, Cuba, previously in Tampa, FL (illegal resident)
- Erik Ventura-Castro, 23, Hialeah, FL
- Miguel Alejandro Martínez Vasconcelos, 30, Tampa, FL
- Walbis Pozo-Dutel, 30, Katy, TX
- Emanuel Martínez González, 28, Hialeah, FL (illegal resident)
- Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero, 31, Tampa, FL
- Layra Libertad Treto Santos, 31, Tampa, FL
- Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra, 40, Tampa, FL
According to Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons, the group "exploited vulnerable individuals and undermined public trust in the immigration system" for several years. The formal indictment lists charges of conspiracy for immigrant smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering, with some facing multiple charges depending on their involvement.
Official Reactions
Federal authorities highlighted the scale of the law enforcement operation. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that the Department of Justice "prosecutes human trafficking more aggressively than ever." This case is part of Operation "Restore America," which allocates all agency resources to combat illegal immigration and dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
Border Patrol Chief Jeffrey J. Dinise was unequivocal: "The message is clear: The United States is closed to illegal immigration, and those who attempt it will face severe consequences," he asserted.
The operation, spanning from January 2021 to June 2025, represents one of the latest significant blows against immigrant smuggling networks linked to Cuba and Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Immigration Fraud Case
What were the main charges against the accused?
The primary charges include conspiracy for immigrant smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering, with some of the accused facing multiple charges.
How did the alleged network attract clients?
The network used social media and WhatsApp groups to advertise their services, presenting a false image of legitimacy through displays of passports, visas, and cash.
What role did minors play in this scheme?
The organization trafficked unaccompanied minors, instructing them to pose as lifelong friends of unrelated adults to facilitate illegal border crossings.