Cuban National Convicted in International Alien Smuggling and Money Laundering Case

USCIS supported an investigation that led to the conviction of Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, a Cuban national, for conspiring to run an international alien smuggling organization and launder its proceeds. The organization charged between $1,500 and $40,000 per smuggled migrant and used fraudulent ESTA applications and false claims of European citizenship.

Key points

• The smuggling organization facilitated the unlawful entry of thousands of Cuban nationals into the United States through the southern border.
• More than $20 million moved through at least 57 bank accounts controlled by the defendant and co-conspirators during the conspiracy.
• Cuban nationals are not eligible for ESTA, but the organization filed hundreds of fraudulent ESTA applications using fake addresses and false claims about travel history.
• A jury convicted Cabrera-Rodriguez of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain and conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering concealment.
• He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17.
• Twelve individuals were charged in a superseding indictment, and several co-defendants have already pleaded guilty or been sentenced.

Who is affected

The case concerns individuals who paid for or participated in an organized smuggling and fraudulent visa scheme targeting Cuban nationals seeking to enter the United States.

What to do