A Cuban national, Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, has been convicted for participating in a $20 million human smuggling operation that illegally brought hundreds of Cubans into the United States. The federal jury found him guilty on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and international money laundering, leading to a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Cabrera-Rodriguez operated a travel agency, ASESORIA Y SERVICIOS MIGRATORIOS LLC, which falsely promoted immigration services. The agency collected between $1,500 and $40,000 from clients by providing bogus visa applications, including hundreds of fake Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications.
The Department of Justice highlighted that he used this agency as a cover to evade detection and launder over $20 million through 57 bank accounts, utilizing methods like Zelle payments. His actions were characterized as exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit while undermining the U.S. immigration system.
His sentencing hearing is set for December 17, 2026. Twelve other individuals involved in the case have pleaded guilty, and one has already received a 30-month prison sentence. This case is part of the DOJ’s broader initiative, Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational crime.
