Two Cuban twins have been sentenced to prison in Los Angeles, California, for their involvement in a fraudulent scheme targeting online payment systems. Alejandro Muñoz and Abel Peña García participated in a scam involving false claims directed at third-party payment platforms, including PayPal and Square, according to a statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on their official website.
The pair were also suspected of defrauding the U.S. Department of the Treasury and were sentenced on February 24 in the Central District of California. Muñoz received a six-year and three-month prison sentence for aggravated identity theft, along with three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $477,396.74 in restitution. Peña García, on the other hand, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison for attempt and conspiracy, also followed by three years of supervised release.
The statement described the individuals as identical twins, although it did not clarify the reason for their different last names. The investigation was led by the ICE’s El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, in collaboration with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
"This conviction highlights our agency's efforts to protect our economy and remove dangerous criminals from our streets," said Al Rossi, acting deputy special agent in charge of ICE's Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles. He emphasized that the El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force will "work tirelessly to ensure that those who exploit innocent victims and attempt to undermine our financial infrastructure are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions."
ICE has reiterated its commitment to strengthening community safety in partnership with other federal agencies, focusing on arresting individuals who violate laws and threaten the country's security and stability. During operations conducted from March 10 to 14, the agency apprehended 81 undocumented immigrants in Kentucky, including nationals from Cuba, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, India, and Palau.
Out of this group, 25 migrants face criminal charges such as illegal entry, unlawful possession of firearms, and possession of controlled substances. Those without charges will remain in ICE custody pending deportation proceedings.
Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has maintained a strict stance against illegal immigration, as he promised during his campaign. The administration has pursued what could be the largest mass deportation in the nation's history.
In-depth Look at the Fraud Case Involving Cuban Twins
What were Alejandro Muñoz and Abel Peña García charged with?
Alejandro Muñoz was charged with aggravated identity theft, while Abel Peña García faced charges of attempt and conspiracy in relation to their fraudulent activities.
What was the role of the El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force in this case?
The El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, part of ICE, led the investigation into the fraudulent activities carried out by the twins, working alongside other federal agencies to bring them to justice.
How has ICE responded to illegal immigration under President Trump's administration?
Under President Trump's administration, ICE has taken a firm approach to combat illegal immigration, conducting operations to detain undocumented immigrants and pursuing deportation proceedings.