ICE HSI, DOJ Charge 12 In Tampa-Based Smuggling And Asylum-Fraud Ring; Millions Laundered

ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Justice announced charges against 12 individuals tied to an international scheme that allegedly smuggled migrants, filed fraudulent asylum claims, and laundered millions. Investigators say the group used sham immigration services and social media/WhatsApp to recruit mainly Cuban nationals, charging $1.5K–$40K and moving funds through payment apps and flights. Authorities describe the case as part of intensified interagency action against Florida-centered asylum-fraud networks.