Federal prosecutors announced charges against 12 defendants accused of running an international conspiracy to smuggle Cuban nationals into the United States, file fraudulent asylum claims, and launder millions of dollars.
According to the indictment, from January 2021 through June 2025 the group created a sham immigration business that promised work permits and residency applications. Instead, they filed fraudulent visa paperwork and asylum claims while funneling more than $18 million through payment apps such as Zelle.
Defendants Charged
Those named in the indictment include:
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Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, 27, of Hialeah, FL (unlawfully in the U.S.)
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Yuniel Lima-Santos, 30, of Tampa, FL
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Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, 26, unlawfully residing in Lebanon, TN
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Marianny Lucia Lopez-Torres, 25, in Cuba (formerly Hialeah, FL)
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Frandy Aragon-Diaz, 33, in Cuba (formerly Tampa, FL)
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Erik Ventura-Castro, 23, of Hialeah, FL
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Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos, 30, of Tampa, FL
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Walbis
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