The U.S. Department of Justice secured the conviction of Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez for participating in an international alien smuggling and money laundering conspiracy that encouraged thousands of Cuban nationals to enter the United States through the southern border. A federal jury found him guilty of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain, international money laundering and money laundering concealment. Cabrera-Rodriguez used a travel agency as a front to file at least 600 fraudulent Electronic System for Travel Authorization applications, arrange travel through third countries and coordinate with smugglers across the Americas. The organization charged between USD 1,500 and USD 40,000 for its services, while more than USD 20 million passed through up to 57 bank accounts controlled by the conspirators. From 2021 through 2024, they also transmitted more than USD 600,000 from the United States to purchase flights used in the scheme. Cabrera-Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 17 and faces up to 20 years in prison. Seven other defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing, while another received a 30-month prison term.
2026-09-25U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Justice secures conviction in alien smuggling conspiracy that laundered over USD 20 million
The U.S. Department of Justice secured the conviction of Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez for an international alien smuggling and money laundering conspiracy involving fraudulent visa waiver applications. More than USD 20 million passed through up to 57 bank accounts, and he faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced Dec. 17.