In a significant legal development, a federal grand jury in Florida has indicted 13 individuals, including nationals from Cuba and Brazil, for their alleged involvement in a massive immigration fraud scheme. This scheme is linked to an Orlando-based company under investigation since April for amassing over $20 million through purported legal services offered to immigrants.
The federal indictment was filed on October 21st in the Middle District of Florida's Federal Court, comprising 11 charges tied to wire fraud, immigration document forgery, hiring unauthorized workers, and fraudulent marriages.
FOX 35 Orlando reported that among the accused are individuals from Cuba and Brazil, though the indictment does not specify the nationalities of the defendants.
Focus on Legacy Imigra Solutions LLC
The spotlight of the investigation is on Legacy Imigra Solutions LLC, also known as Legacy Group. This Orlando-based company claimed to specialize in immigration advice and procedures.
Prosecutors allege that the company was owned by Vagner Soares de Almeida, who oversaw its operations. Juliana Colucci and other employees worked in sales, administration, and asylum application processing.
Allegations of Fraudulent Practices
According to the indictment, from August 2023 to April 2026, Legacy allegedly provided misleading, inaccurate, or incomplete immigration advice to attract clients seeking to regularize their status.
The company advertised itself as a professional establishment with experts and attorneys capable of preparing documents and applications for U.S. immigration benefits.
Investigators reveal that Legacy targeted Brazilian clients through social media ads, websites, and messaging services, primarily in Portuguese and Spanish.
Once services were acquired, the accused reportedly prepared documents with false statements for submission to U.S. immigration authorities.
Control Over Client Communications
The indictment details a method used to control client communications, including creating email accounts in clients' names and using Legacy-associated postal addresses for receiving official notifications and documents.
The FBI claims that the company withheld documents and immigration benefits until clients paid additional fees, with payments funneled into accounts managed by De Almeida.
Defendants and Charges
Those named in the indictment include Vagner Soares de Almeida, Juliana Colucci, Lucas Felipe Trinidade Silva, Nathalia de Costa Ferreira, Ronaldo de Campos, Erick Bruno Goncalves de Assis Pinto, Ronay Castillo Salazar, Kelen Cristina da Silva, Rebecca Aldama Garcia, Mijail Cabrera Nunez, Issac Antonio Narvaez, Nathalia Gomes Ciriaco, and Lorraine Soares Oliveira.
The charges vary based on each individual's alleged role, with eight defendants implicated in the purported wire fraud conspiracy related to Legacy Imigra's operations.
The case file also includes two wire fraud charges linked to Zelle transfers: one for $1,000 on December 30, 2024, and another for $374.58 on January 21, 2025, both directed to De Almeida.
Prosecutors attribute to the same group of eight individuals alleged conspiracies involving false immigration documentation, including asylum applications and employment petitions.
Employment and Marriage Fraud Allegations
Another charge accuses De Almeida, Colucci, Silva, and Campos of repeatedly hiring workers without U.S. work authorization.
The indictment outlines three supposed agreements to conduct marriages for illicit immigration benefits. These involve Colucci, Narvaez, and Salazar; De Almeida, Narvaez, and Garcia; and Narvaez, Nunez, and Oliveira, all reportedly aimed at securing permanent residency for individuals lacking legal eligibility.
The indictment seeks potential forfeiture of money and assets connected to the alleged crimes, contingent upon meeting legal conditions and securing convictions.
FOX 35 Orlando notes that some defendants might face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, depending on the charges they face.
Previous Law Enforcement Actions
Earlier this year, on April 23rd, Orange County authorities arrested four individuals linked to Legacy Imigra: De Almeida, Colucci, Silva, and Campos, following a prior law enforcement operation.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina accused the company of financially exploiting immigrants, primarily Brazilians, seeking legal status in the United States.
The Sheriff's Office estimated that Legacy amassed over $20 million in approximately three years, identifying affected individuals in Florida, South Carolina, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Some reported individual losses ranging from $2,500 to $26,000.
According to an April investigation, the agency allegedly withheld immigration documents, demanding additional payments for their release. Some clients were hesitant to report their experiences due to their immigration status.
The state investigation was conducted with the involvement of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Attorney General's Office.
Key Questions About the Florida Immigration Fraud Case
Who are the main figures accused in the immigration fraud case?
Vagner Soares de Almeida and Juliana Colucci are among the key figures accused in the alleged immigration fraud scheme, with De Almeida being the company's owner.
What are the main charges in the indictment?
The indictment includes charges related to wire fraud, immigration document forgery, hiring unauthorized workers, and fraudulent marriages.
How did Legacy Imigra allegedly attract clients?
Legacy Imigra allegedly targeted clients through social media ads, websites, and messaging services, advertising in Portuguese and Spanish.
What penalties do the accused face if convicted?
If found guilty, the accused could face up to 20 years in prison, depending on the specific charges and convictions.