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In a coordinated operation between the Attorney General’s Office and the Police, a criminal gang that falsified humanitarian visas for the United States was dismantled, in exchange for thousands of dollars. According to the authorities, the organization managed to manipulate the consular process by creating fraudulent profiles, using false data on assets, academic training and even non-existent or recently deceased relatives. The members of the gang promised their clients an “express service” that guaranteed them a humanitarian visa in record time, in exchange for sums that varied between $3,000 and $5,000.
The network, led by Álvaro Andrés Triviño Hernández, operated mainly from the Colombian cities of Medellín and Bogotá, but also extended its activities to cities such as Miami and New York. Authorities discovered that, using law offices as a front, the gang members managed to falsify at least 60 visas, although 16 of these cases were detected in time and annulled.
The modality of operation was particularly sophisticated: the counterfeiters used various tricks to convince consular officials that the applicants met the requirements to obtain the humanitarian visa. Among the most used strategies were the simulation of seriously ill relatives in the United States and, in some cases, the falsification of obituaries of recently deceased relatives. According to authorities, the gang also offered “personalized consultations” to concoct convincing stories about applicants, all with the goal of obtaining visas quickly.
One of the conversations between a client and a member of the network, intercepted by the Prosecutor’s Office, revealed the illegal operation. The conversation discussed the details of how to create a profile of a “deceased relative” in the United States to justify the visa application, with the recommendation to find a recent obituary to support the story. This strategy was key to influencing the decision of the officials of the US Embassy in Colombia, who, for the most part, did not detect the irregularities.
During the raids carried out in several Colombian cities, the authorities confiscated a significant amount of evidence that confirmed the magnitude of the illicit business. In total, photocopies of 160 passports, 60 fraudulent visas and around $4,000 in cash were found, money that, according to investigations, would be part of the profits obtained by the criminal organization.
Humanitarian visa fraud has been a recurring problem in many embassies around the world. The humanitarian visa is a key document for those seeking to enter the United States for humanitarian reasons, whether due to serious illness, persecution or situations of violence. However, as it is a complex and expensive process, some individuals have sought to take advantage of the vulnerability of those who require this type of visa.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the gang not only falsified documents, but also provided illegal advice on how to create convincing stories to deceive consular officials.
The operations to dismantle this organization are still continuing, since the authorities suspect that there are more people involved in the plot. In addition, the Prosecutor’s Office has requested the collaboration of the US authorities to track the movements of those involved in the cities of Miami and New York, where some of the members of the network also had a presence.
2024-11-09 18:17:00
#Gang #counterfeiters #sold #humanitarian #visas #Colombia #falls
**Interview with Immigration Law Expert Dr. María López**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. López. We recently learned about a criminal gang operating in Colombia that was dismantled for falsifying humanitarian visas. Can you provide some context on how serious this issue is?
**Dr. López:** Absolutely, thank you for having me. This case is part of a broader trend where organized crime preys on vulnerable populations seeking refuge or humanitarian assistance in the United States. The manipulation of consular processes not only undermines the integrity of immigration systems but also places these desperate individuals at further risk.
**Interviewer:** What were some of the tactics this gang used to convince consular officials?
**Dr. López:** The tactics employed by the gang were quite alarming. They created fraudulent profiles, basing them on false claims of assets and fabricated stories about ill relatives in the U.S. They even went as far as to produce fictitious obituaries for deceased relatives. This illustrates the lengths to which traffickers will go to exploit these processes.
**Interviewer:** It’s shocking to hear the extent of their deception. What impact does such fraudulent activity have on legitimate visa applicants?
**Dr. López:** Fraudulent operations like this create significant delays and scrutiny for genuine applicants. When consular officials become aware of such scams, it leads to a broader skepticism regarding applications, ultimately impacting those who truly need humanitarian assistance and have valid cases.
**Interviewer:** The gang operated not only in Colombia but extended to cities like Miami and New York. How do these international operations complicate enforcement?
**Dr. López:** This transnational aspect poses unique challenges for law enforcement. Criminal networks often have resources that span multiple jurisdictions, making it difficult to pursue them effectively. It requires coordinated efforts between countries, including intelligence sharing and joint investigations, which can be complex and time-consuming.
**Interviewer:** what can be done to prevent such fraud in the future?
**Dr. López:** Prevention starts with raising awareness among potential applicants about the dangers of falling prey to such schemes. Additionally, consulates must strengthen their processes and invest in technology to identify fraudulent applications more effectively. Collaboration between immigration authorities and law enforcement agencies is crucial to tackle these networks head-on.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. López, for your insights on this concerning issue. It’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and vigilant.
