Feds Bust $18M Cuban Smuggling Ring, Arrest 20 in Major Scheme

Federal authorities have dismantled a multimillion-dollar smuggling operation that facilitated the illegal entry of hundreds of Cubans into the United States. The Department of Justice announced the arrests of 20 individuals involved in the scheme, which allegedly profited approximately $18 million.

The criminal group operated from January 2021 to June 2025, promoting fraudulent visa services that misled Cubans into believing they could enter the U.S. legally by posing as European citizens. Victims were charged between $1,500 and $40,000 each, with payments processed through the app Zelle.

In addition to the fraudulent visa services, the operation included document fabrication and the rental of private jets to transport victims. The complexity of the scheme highlights the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. authorities in managing immigration and combating human trafficking.

This bust underscores the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform as the U.S. continues to grapple with illegal immigration and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. As previously reported, similar situations have emerged, prompting discussions about the effectiveness of current policies.