Twelve individuals have been charged in a superseding indictment for their alleged roles in an international conspiracy involving alien smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering. The charges stem from an operation that reportedly brought thousands of Cuban nationals illegally into the United States for profit.
According to court documents, the defendants are accused of running a large-scale alien smuggling organization (ASO). The group allegedly prepared fraudulent visa applications, laundered millions of dollars, and exploited U.S. immigration processes.
“This Department of Justice is investigating and prosecuting human smuggling more aggressively than ever before, and Joint Task Force Alpha is the tip of the spear,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will not rest until those who profit from the suffering of vulnerable people — including many unaccompanied children — face severe, comprehensive justice.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti stated: “This indictment exposes a criminal organization that smuggled people into the United States on a massive scale, and then fraudulently secured immigration benefits for them. Posing as a legitimate immigration service, the defendants used social media promotions and false legal filings to attract new clients and perpetuate their fraud. The Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners will continue to dismantle these schemes, protect vulnerable people from exploitation, and safeguard the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.”
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida commented: “The defendants in this case conspired with others to deliberately violate our nation’s immigration laws while personally seeking to enrich themselves. Because of the interagency coordination and diligence of our dedicated law enforcement agencies, their crimes have been thwarted. We will continue working with our partners to protect our national borders.”
Acting Director Todd M. Lyons of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said: “This superseding indictment exposes the depth of a multi-year conspiracy of alien smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering that preyed on vulnerable individuals and weakened public trust in the immigration system. This highlights the critical role ICE has in dismantling these criminal networks, combating immigration fraud, and ensuring criminals who abuse our systems are held accountable. We are absolute in our resolve to protect the integrity of our immigration system and safeguard our national security.”
Chief Jeffrey J. Dinise of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Miami Sector added: “It is because of the unfettered Department of Justice support we charge criminals with every available statute to provide consequences to those that erode the moral fabric of our society. The message is clear, the United States is closed to illegal immigration and terrorist organizations, and those that make an attempt, will be met with fierce consequences. We are committed to protecting our Florida communities and safeguarding our nation.”
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated: “Through diligent investigation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and our partners exposed a multi-national, multi-year, multimillion dollar criminal conspiracy operated by aliens that attempted to undermine our immigration system and flood our country with illegal aliens — none of whom had any intention of following our laws,” he said.“This criminal organization operated a front for fake asylum claims, churning out frivolous applications around the country.To criminals who seek to exploit our immigration system: we will find you , shut down your schemes ,and you will face justice .”
The indictment lists Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez (Hialeah), Yuniel Lima-Santos (Tampa), Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez (Lebanon), Marianny Lucia Lopez-Torres (Cuba), Frandy Aragon-Diaz (Cuba), Erik Ventura-Castro (Hialeah), Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos (Tampa), Walbis Pozo-Dutel (Katy), Emanuel Martinez Gonzalez (Hialeah), Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero (Tampa), Layra Libertad Treto Santos (Tampa), and Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra (Tampa) as defendants.
Charges include conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain against all but one defendant; additional charges such as asylum fraud conspiracy; individual counts related to money laundering; as well as direct allegations concerning fraudulent visa application submissions.
Authorities say that from January 2021 through June 2025, this group promoted fake visa services online targeting Cuban nationals by claiming they could enter using false European citizenship claims via hundreds of fraudulent ESTA applications filed with fabricated information.
The organization reportedly advertised its services through social media accounts—including Instagram—and encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp under names such as “TRÁMITE DE ESTA Y VISA DE TURISMO A USA PARA CIUDADANOS ESPAÑOLES.” Promotional materials included videos showing passports, airline tickets, visas approved for entry into the United States.
What began as a small operation expanded significantly over time; fees ranged from $1,500 up to $40,000 per client according to investigators—sometimes involving charter flights for groups being transported together.Financial records show more than $2 .5 million spent on air travel alone ,and over $7 million moved via payment platforms such as Zelle .Analysis indicates at least $18 million passed through accounts linked directly or indirectly with members or associates .
The ASO also facilitated illegal entry for unaccompanied minors.One example cited involved instructing a teenage girl crossing into America alongside an unrelated adult man she was told should be presented as her lifelong friend .
The operation ran under ASESORIA Y SERVICIOS MIGRATORIOS LLC—a business promising legitimate help but allegedly filing generic asylum claims without clients’ full awareness ,even restricting access by clients themselves online .
Authorities note that JTFA—a collaboration between DOJ ,DHS ,and other agencies—coordinated this investigation .JTFA’s work includes hundreds arrested or convicted domestically or internationally relating specifically to human trafficking offenses impacting border security across North America .
Multiple federal agencies led investigative efforts locally—HSI Tampa,U.S.Border Patrol Miami Sector,and USCIS Fraud Detection—with support from units based in Washington,D.C.,the National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force,and international cooperation including Cayman Islands authorities .
Trial Attorney Jenna Reed(Justice Department HRSP)and Assistant U .S.Attorney Courtney Derry(Middle District Florida )are prosecuting this case .
Operation Take Back America,a broader DOJ initiative focused on fighting illegal immigration-related crime,is part under which this case falls .
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.Prosecution continues under federal supervision.
