DOJ arrests 13 Brazilians and Cubans over fake immigration firm
Federal officials allege the group operated Legacy Imigra Solutions LLC from Orlando to deceive asylum seekers with false legal advice and documents.
By Eric Collins ·
The Department of Justice arrested 13 foreign nationals from Brazil and Cuba on Monday for allegedly running a fraudulent immigration services operation.
Investigators identified Vagner Sorares De Almeida and his wife Juliana Colucci as the owners of Legacy Imigra Solutions LLC. The firm operated out of Orlando between August 2023 and April 2026, targeting undocumented immigrants who sought asylum claims or legal status in the United States.
According to federal officials, the agency provided clients with false, inaccurate, and incomplete legal advice. Investigators also found that the firm submitted falsified documents to help applicants secure their immigration status. Legacy Imigra employed seven people during its three-year operation, and those employees were among the 13 arrested. Officials noted that the agency also hired undocumented immigrants.
The seven employees face various charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, visa fraud, and marriage fraud. Almeida and Colucci led the business during the period under investigation. Federal prosecutors have not yet determined the specific charges for every individual involved.
If convicted, the suspects face prison sentences ranging from six to 20 years depending on the specific counts. The Department of Justice issued a news release detailing the arrests and the alleged scheme that defrauded the United States through the fake legal office.
Source: WOFL · original report published
