Twelve individuals have been charged in a superseding indictment for their involvement in an international scheme that allegedly smuggled thousands of Cuban nationals into the United States. The charges include alien smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering.
According to court documents, the defendants operated an alien smuggling organization (ASO) that prepared visa applications, laundered millions of dollars in payments, and exploited U.S. immigration processes to facilitate unlawful entry. The ASO is accused of promoting services online and through encrypted messaging platforms, offering Cuban nationals a path to enter the United States by making false claims of European citizenship.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “This DOJ is investigating and prosecuting human smuggling more aggressively than ever before, and Joint Task Force Alpha is the tip of the spear. 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 said, “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 added, “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) commented on ICE’s role: “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 said: “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,” adding that illegal attempts at entry would be met with “fierce consequences” as part of efforts to protect Florida communities.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow described how USCIS helped expose what he called a “multi-national, multi-year, multi-million dollar criminal conspiracy operated by aliens that attempted to undermine our immigration system.” He continued: “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 superseding indictment lists twelve defendants residing or formerly residing across Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Cuba—and one unlawfully residing in Lebanon—who now face various charges including conspiracy related to alien smuggling for financial gain; some also face additional counts tied specifically to asylum fraud or money laundering.
Prosecutors allege that between January 2021 and June 2025 this group filed hundreds of fraudulent Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications using fabricated information; promoted their services via WhatsApp groups such as “TRÁMITE DE ESTA Y VISA DE TURISMO A USA PARA CIUDADANOS ESPAÑOLES”; charged clients fees ranging from $1,500 up to $40,000; spent over $2.5 million on flights; moved more than $7 million through payment apps like Zelle; ultimately taking in over $18 million according to financial analysis.
Authorities report that minors were among those smuggled—including cases where children were instructed how best to cross borders undetected.
The sham business ASESORIA Y SERVICIOS MIGRATORIOS LLC was allegedly used as cover for fraudulent activity—promising legal filings but instead submitting generic asylum claims without client consent or knowledge.
The investigation was coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which brings together resources from several federal agencies including DHS components such as ICE’s Human Smuggling Unit along with support from authorities like HSI Tampa—and received assistance from Cayman Islands officials.
Trial Attorney Jenna Reed (HRSP) along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry are prosecuting this case under Operation Take Back America—a Department initiative targeting transnational criminal organizations impacting border security through human trafficking activities.
Officials remind readers that an indictment is only an allegation—the accused remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
