Florida man convicted of $20 million Cuban smuggling operation using fake travel agency

A federal jury convicted Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, a 28-year-old Cuban national living in Florida, of orchestrating a $20 million human-smuggling and money-laundering ring that moved hundreds of Cubans into the United States. His company, ASESORIA Y SERVICIOS MIGRATORIOS LLC, advertised bogus immigration assistance on social media from January 2021 through June 2025, charging fees from $1,500 to $40,000 and filing at least 600 fraudulent ESTA applications.

The scheme coordinated flights from Cuba to third-country destinations, chartered private planes, and funneled proceeds through 57 bank accounts and the Zelle payment platform. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva described the operation as a “criminal enterprise built on treating people like cargo.” Acting Special Agent Nicholas Ingegno emphasized the exploitation of vulnerable migrants and the threat to border integrity.

Cabrera-Rodriguez was found guilty of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain, international money-laundering, and money-laundering concealment, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for Dec. 17 where he could receive up to 20 years. Twelve co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing, while a thirteenth, Erik Ventura-Castro, received a 30-month prison term in July. The case is part of the Justice Department’s Operation Take Back America, targeting transnational crime and illegal immigration.