No Refuge for Disaster Fraudsters: Massachusetts Man Pleaded Guilty to Wire Fraud and Fraudulent Use of Government Seals and Faces Deportation

WASHINGTON - Last week, a Massachusetts man pleaded guilty to wire fraud and fraudulent use of government seals after falsely portraying his organization as a FEMA-endorsed federal agency. The defendant, a Brazilian national who entered the United States in 2016 and overstayed his visa, was arrested Feb. 19, 2026, at Orlando International Airport after traveling from Boston. He is in removal proceedings and faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing, scheduled for Dec. 18, 2026.

"DHS has zero tolerance for those who are in this country illegally and prey on vulnerable communities," said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. "The misuse of federal seals to carry out this blatant fraud scheme undermines the work of legitimate emergency managers and public safety officials who protect the American people every day. Anyone who commits fraud in the United States will be investigated, prosecuted, and held accountable. There is no refuge here for criminals."

While the courses were free, attendees paid approximately $400 to $450 for certificates. Approximately 30 to 45 people attended the course. The defendant falsely told attendees that receiving a certificate could provide protection from immigration enforcement and deportation.

The defendant also sold clothing, badges, stickers and other merchandise bearing DHS or FEMA seals. During an undercover operation at a training course last fall, a confidential informant purchased several items.

The organization's website, social media accounts and group chat, which had more than 750 members when the investigation began in August 2025, promoted upcoming courses and displayed an altered DHS seal. The organization also falsely claimed accreditation from the International Association for Continuing Education and Training and the American Council on Education.

Under the leadership of President Trump, Vice President Vance and Secretary Mullin, FEMA continues to strengthen safeguards, support the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and work closely with law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute those who defraud disaster assistance programs. FEMA remains committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring aid reaches the survivors who genuinely need it.

Taking funds meant for disaster survivors is a serious crime. In Fiscal Year 2025, FEMA investigated over 2,000 fraud cases. The agency refers suspected fraud to the DHS Office of Inspector General and other law enforcement partners for criminal investigation and potential prosecution, including cases involving organized criminal activity. 

President Trump's Executive Order 14395 established the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, bringing together federal agencies to coordinate a national strategy to stop fraud, waste and abuse in federal benefit programs. FEMA is fully engaged in strengthening eligibility verification, enhancing pre-payment controls and ensuring disaster assistance is delivered quickly and securely to eligible survivors.