In the Minneapolis–St. Paul region, federal and state authorities say three suspects orchestrated a long-running scam aimed at newly arrived immigrants. From January 2023 to November 2025, the trio allegedly conned at least 25 church-going individuals out of tens of thousands of dollars by falsely promising visas, citizenship help and other legal services—and quietly raked in more than half a million dollars in cash and deposits.
Promises & Pressure: How the Scheme Operated
According to charging records, the alleged ringleader approached newcomers at local congregations and offered employment and immigration-law help—sometimes requiring hefty upfront payments. For example, one pastor paid nearly $30,000 USD after being told the scammers would help migrants secure work and U.S. citizenship. At one point a “$12,000 golden-card” guaranteeing citizenship access was even offered, but no services materialised.
Authorities say the fraudsters also used intimidation to silence victims: at least one church leader reported that the suspects told him they could contact immigration officials or law-enforcement agencies to report him if he spoke out.
Discovery, Arrests & Allegations
A detective in Mendota Heights met with the church leader and multiple victims in July 2025, which led to a search warrant at the home of one defendant that uncovered passports, photos of victims and thousands of dollars in suspicious bank deposits.
On the Monday of the most recent week, all three suspects were taken into custody. The lead defendant faces racketeering charges and 11 counts of theft by swindle; the two others face a mix of aiding and abetting theft and direct theft counts. The total amount stolen is alleged at over $563,700.
Broader Implications: Warning to Immigrant Communities
Legal-aid experts say this kind of scam—sometimes called “notario fraud”—preys on vulnerable immigrants who believe they can pay their way to legal status or citizenship. One scholar called it “a known scenario within immigration lawyer circles” where desperation drives victims into schemes offering false hope.
Community leaders and legal advisors urge immigrants to verify credentials of anyone offering immigration services and to seek assistance only from authorised attorneys or accredited organisations.
