10 Florida residents accused of operating ‘sham' immigration business to smuggle migrants into the U.S.

The Brief

FLORIDA - Twelve people, including 10 Florida residents, have been charged for their roles in an international operation that involved operating a "sham" immigration business to smuggle migrants into the United States , according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

12 accused in international scam operation

What we know:

A group of 12 people are accused of facilitating an international smuggling operation involving operating a "sham" immigration business. The group allegedly prepared visa applications, laundered millions of dollars in payment and exploited the immigration process through the business, "ASESORIA Y SERVICIOS MIGRATORIOS LLC."

From January 2021 through June 2025, the defendants allegedly posed as a legitimate immigration service and used social med