Immigration fraud charges have been filed against 13 people from Brazil and Cuba in a federal immigration fraud case alleging a scheme involving false immigration advice, fabricated documents, visa fraud, marriage fraud and the employment of people who were not authorized to work in the United States.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it provided investigative support after a Homeland Security Task Force investigation into the alleged immigration fraud in Florida.
The charges were announced in Orlando on November 2, 2026, by United States Attorney Gregory W.
Kehoe.
The defendants were charged by indictment, meaning prosecutors have formally accused them of federal crimes but have not yet established guilt.
Each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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What prosecutors allege about immigration fraud in the Florida case
According to court records described by federal authorities, the alleged conduct took place from August 18, 2023, through April 20, 2026.
Prosecutors allege that Vagner Sorares De Almeida, 54, owned and operated Legacy Imigra Solutions LLC, a Florida company that purported to provide immigration-related legal services through immigration professionals and attorneys.
The indictment alleges that Legacy gave prospective clients false, incomplete or inaccurate immigration advice to persuade them to pay for services.
Prosecutors further allege that people associated with the company prepared or altered immigration documents to seek immigration status or benefits fraudulently.
The case also includes allegations that the company regularly hired people who were not authorized to work in the United States, despite knowing their employment status.
These allegations form the basis of the immigration fraud charges involving conspiracy, wire fraud, visa fraud and unlawful employment.
The exact evidence and defenses in the case will be addressed through the federal court process.
How the 13 defendants are charged
The federal announcement separates the defendants into several groups based on the alleged conduct and counts in the indictment.
| Defendants | Charges described by authorities |
|---|---|
| Vagner Sorares De Almeida, Juliana Colucci, Lucas Felipe Trindade Silva and Ronaldo De Campos | Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two wire fraud counts, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and unlawful employment of aliens |
| Erick Bruno Goncalves De Assis Pinto, Nathalia Da Costa Ferreira, Nathalia Gomes Ciriaco and Kelen Cristina Da Silva | Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two wire fraud counts and conspiracy to commit visa fraud |
| Issac Antonio Narvaez | Three counts of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud |
| Ronay Castillo Salazar, Rebeca Aldama Garcia, Mijail Cabera Nunez and Lorraine Soares Oliverira | Conspiracy to commit marriage fraud |
The names and spellings above follow the USCIS announcement.
The release identifies the defendants as nationals of Brazil and Cuba, although it does not assign a nationality to each individual in the public summary.
Potential penalties if convictions occur
The possible penalties in the immigration fraud case depend on the specific counts and whether a defendant is convicted.
The maximum penalty for each conspiracy to commit wire fraud count and each wire fraud count is up to 20 years in federal prison.
Each conspiracy to commit visa fraud offense carries a potential maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Conspiracy to commit marriage fraud carries a maximum penalty of up to five years.
The unlawful employment charge identified in the release carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison.
Maximum statutory penalties are not automatic sentences, and a court would consider the facts of the case, federal sentencing rules and other applicable factors.
The announcement does not state that any defendant has been convicted, sentenced or ordered removed from the United States.
Agencies involved in the investigation
The investigation into the alleged immigration fraud involved multiple federal, state and local agencies.
Homeland Security Investigations offices in Orlando, Tampa and Brasilia participated along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Other participating agencies included IRS Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, USCIS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Law Enforcement also assisted, according to USCIS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bianca Bansal is prosecuting the case for the federal government.
What the case means for people seeking immigration help
The allegations in this immigration fraud case highlight the risks faced by immigrants who rely on businesses that present themselves as immigration professionals without providing authorized legal services.
USCIS advises people to verify whether an individual helping with an immigration matter is a licensed attorney or an accredited representative recognized by the Department of Justice.
Immigration forms are generally available directly from USCIS, and applicants should be cautious about anyone who promises guaranteed approval, special access or a faster result in exchange for money.
People should not sign blank forms or documents containing information they know is false.
Applicants should keep copies of forms, receipts, contracts, messages and other records connected to paid immigration services.
A person who believes a business or individual may have submitted false immigration documents, misrepresented legal qualifications or abused the immigration benefits process can report suspected immigration benefit fraud to USCIS through its secure tip system.
How to report suspected immigration fraud
The USCIS secure tip portal allows a person to submit information about suspected immigration fraud or abuse involving an individual or business.
Reports may include the name of the business, available identifying information, receipt numbers, a description of what happened and supporting documents.
USCIS says reports may be submitted anonymously.
People who provide contact information may be contacted for follow-up questions, and the agency advises reporters to avoid including personal information that is unrelated to the tip.
The USCIS portal is intended for suspected immigration benefit fraud and abuse.
Other criminal activity, immediate public safety threats or immigration enforcement matters may need to be reported to the appropriate agency or local law enforcement.
What happens next in the federal case
The indictment begins a federal criminal proceeding.
The defendants may appear in court, enter pleas and challenge the government’s allegations and evidence.
Prosecutors must prove every charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
The government’s allegations may be tested through motions, hearings, negotiations or trial, and the case could change as court proceedings continue.
For now, the November 2 announcement establishes only that federal immigration fraud charges were filed and that USCIS and its partner agencies supported the investigation.
It does not establish that the defendants committed immigration fraud or any other offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the immigration fraud charges in this Florida case?
Federal authorities say 13 people were charged with offenses including wire fraud, visa fraud, marriage fraud, conspiracy and unlawful employment of people unauthorized to work in the United States.
Have the 13 defendants been found guilty?
No. The charges were brought by indictment, which is a formal accusation. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
How can someone report suspected immigration benefit fraud to USCIS?
A person can submit information and supporting evidence through the USCIS secure tip portal. USCIS says reports may be submitted anonymously.
What penalties could apply if defendants are convicted?
The potential maximum penalties vary by charge. Wire fraud counts can carry up to 20 years, visa fraud conspiracies up to 10 years, marriage fraud conspiracies up to five years and unlawful employment up to six months.
Fact-Checked: This article was checked against the USCIS announcement dated November 2, 2026 and the current USCIS secure tip portal. The case remains pending, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
Disclaimer: This report is for general information and is not legal advice. Court records and charges may change as the case proceeds.
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