Fake Law Firm RAIDED — Victims Devastated

Jacket with FBI letters in yellow.

Five individuals face federal charges for running a fake immigration law firm that impersonated judges and law enforcement officers, preying on vulnerable immigrants desperate for legal help while raking in over $100,000 through their elaborate fraud scheme.

Story Snapshot

  • Federal prosecutors charged five defendants with operating “CM Bufete De Abogados Consultoria Migratoria,” a completely fraudulent immigration law firm in Brooklyn
  • The sophisticated scheme involved impersonating immigration judges and federal law enforcement officers to deceive victims
  • Spanish-speaking immigrant communities were specifically targeted, exploiting language barriers and desperation among those seeking legitimate legal assistance
  • The operation generated over $100,000 in fraudulent proceeds before federal investigators shut it down

Sophisticated Fraud Scheme Targeted Vulnerable Communities

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York charged five defendants with operating a fraudulent immigration law firm that exploited immigrants seeking legal assistance. The fake entity, named “CM Bufete De Abogados Consultoria Migratoria” or CM Immigration Law Firm Consulting, deliberately used a Spanish-language name to appear legitimate to Spanish-speaking immigrants. This calculated approach targeted vulnerable populations already struggling with language barriers and complex immigration processes, making them easier prey for the criminal operation.

Impersonation of Federal Officials Amplified Deception

What distinguishes this case from typical immigration fraud is the brazen impersonation of federal officials. The defendants posed as immigration judges and law enforcement officers to add legitimacy to their fraudulent operation. This organized criminal coordination represents a sophisticated level of deception that went far beyond simply offering unlicensed legal services. By impersonating federal officials, these criminals weaponized the authority and trust associated with government positions to convince desperate immigrants they were dealing with legitimate legal representatives.

Financial Exploitation and Community Impact

Federal investigators determined the scheme generated over $100,000 in fraudulent proceeds from victims who believed they were paying for legitimate immigration legal services. These victims not only suffered financial losses but likely experienced delays or complications in their actual immigration cases, compounding the harm. The targeting of Spanish-speaking immigrant communities reveals how predators exploit both cultural connections and desperation. This case underscores the vulnerability of immigrant populations to sophisticated fraud schemes, particularly those navigating an already complex and stressful immigration system.

Law Enforcement Response and Broader Implications

The prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York demonstrates federal commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from immigration fraud. This case reflects broader patterns of federal enforcement against immigration-related crimes in the Brooklyn area. The successful identification and prosecution of this sophisticated operation validates investigative techniques for uncovering complex fraud schemes involving federal official impersonation. Beyond individual prosecutions, this case highlights the critical need for public awareness about verifying credentials of immigration attorneys and consultants, as fraudulent operations undermine trust in legitimate immigration legal services across affected communities.

Sources:

Five Defendants Charged with Impersonating Immigration Judges, Law Enforcement Officers, and Operating Fraudulent Immigration Law Firm – U.S. Department of Justice

January 2026 Criminal Investigation Press Releases – IRS

Press Releases – U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York