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An operation deemed by authorities as one of the largest recent immigration frauds in the United States has uncovered a scheme that, for years, allegedly exploited vulnerable immigrants with false promises of legalization.
The agency Legacy Imigra, based in Orange County, Florida, was dismantled following an investigation pointing to a multimillion-dollar scam primarily targeting undocumented individuals.
A total of four people have been arrested in connection with the plot.
According to the sheriff's office, the company "defrauded hundreds of undocumented immigrants out of millions of dollars", in a case that could exceed 20 million collected in just three years.
A "business model" based on fraud and extortion
During a press conference, Orange County Sheriff John Mina firmly described how the agency operates.
"They basically enriched themselves through a business model based on manipulation, fraud, lies, and extortion," he stated.
“And most of its clients, primarily Brazilian citizens, were unable to get closer to fulfilling their dream of becoming Americans,” he added.
Authorities claim that Legacy Imigra presented itself as a firm capable of managing immigration processes and facilitating the acquisition of legal status in the United States.
However, behind that facade, there were no licensed lawyers, but rather a scheme designed to deceive and pressure clients.
Arrests and criminal charges
The operation concluded with the arrest of the founder of the agency, Vagner De Almeida, his wife Juliana Colucci, and two partners: Lucas Felipe Trindade Silva and Ronaldo Decampos.
Everyone faces serious charges that include organized crime, organized fraud, extortion, and unauthorized practice of law.
According to Fox 35, investigators believe that the accused "were operating a fake immigration office" and that "they posed as lawyers and extorted applicants for payment by withholding immigration documents."
Sheriff Mina also emphasized a key element of the case: the arrested individuals were not attorneys.
Although he acknowledged that in some cases they may have provided legitimate services, he suggested that this could have been part of a strategy to build trust and attract more victims.
How the scheme operated
Investigations reveal a systematic pattern of deception. According to reports, the agency used social media and personal recommendations to attract clients, many of whom were desperate to regularize their immigration status.
Once inside the system, the victims were subjected to various fraudulent practices. Among them:
-Creation of email accounts in your name without consent.
-Submission of fraudulent or incorrect immigration applications.
-Collection of high fees for invalid procedures.
- Withholding of personal documents to demand additional payments.
"Legacy created email accounts in the victims' names without their knowledge or consent and then withheld documents, telling the victims that they would not receive their documentation unless they paid additional money," Mina explained.
Telemundo 51 confirmed these methods and added that the victims were constantly pressured to pay more money under the threat of losing their immigration files.
Victims in several states and millions in losses
So far, at least seven victims have collaborated with the investigation.
They come from Florida, South Carolina, Connecticut, and New Jersey, and reported individual losses ranging from $2,500 to $26,000.
However, the authorities believe that the actual figure is much higher.
"The agents believe that the total number of victims could rise to hundreds," the sheriff's office stated.
The fear of deportation may be preventing many affected individuals from coming forward.
Still, authorities have indicated that those who cooperate may be eligible for immigration protections, such as special visas that allow them to remain in the country while the case progresses.
An investigation that started following reports
The case came to light in September, when a lawyer from the Florida Bar alerted the authorities after receiving multiple complaints about the agency.
The reports shared a common pattern: Legacy Imigra falsely claimed to have qualified lawyers and charged large sums for fraudulent services.
From there, a joint investigation began involving the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Attorney General's Office.
Curiously, for neighboring businesses, the presence of Legacy Imigra did not raise suspicions about criminal activities, although it did cause some annoyance.
Witnesses interviewed by News 6 described a steady flow of employees and customers. “Suddenly, one day, we had nowhere to park,” reported Dr. Stefannia Ezzi, owner of a nearby business.
Another merchant, Mazen Ban, recalled that the workers “crowded” the parking lot every morning and that “everyone was in suits and formal clothing, as if they were going to a wedding or a special occasion.”
Nevertheless, no one imagined the magnitude of the fraud.
After learning about the accusations, a neighbor stated: “They are targeting a sector of the citizens who are already facing difficulties, and then they take advantage of them.”
Authorities believe this case could become one of the largest recent immigration frauds in the United States.
Not only because of the financial amount—over 20 million dollars—but also due to the harm caused to individuals seeking a legal opportunity.
The scheme not only resulted in financial losses but also disrupted migration processes and shattered expectations. Many victims believed they were progressing toward legalization when, in reality, their cases were invalid.
The case remains open, and authorities are continuing to gather information. More victims are expected to come forward in the coming months, which could further expand the scale of the fraud.
Meanwhile, the detainees remain in custody awaiting to face the judicial process.
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