Carlos Adolfo Haeckermann Cardenas, a 62-year-old Colombian national residing in Doral, Fla., pleaded guilty yesterday to orchestrating a fraudulent asylum application scheme. According to federal court records, Haeckermann was indicted on Nov. 13, 2024, for aiding and abetting false statements on immigration documents.
In his plea agreement, Haeckermann confessed to operating a business in both Colombia and the United States that charged fees to guide Colombian nationals through visa and asylum processes. He frequently instructed clients to inflate their professional status and personal connections to deceive U.S. immigration officers about their intention to return to Colombia after overstaying visas.
Haeckermann’s fraudulent activities, which involved more than four asylum applications submitted between November 2019 and May 2020, included fabricating a story of political persecution that he recycled among applicants. The scheme was designed to increase the likelihood of his clients being granted asylum in the U.S.
The U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Criminal Fraud Investigations Branch Chief Jeff Rusinek announced the charges against Haeckermann, who was released on bond pending sentencing. His hearing is set for Nov. 5, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria.
Haeckermann faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count under the charges of aiding and abetting false statements on immigration documents. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Parker is leading the prosecution with assistance from Lance Libatique.
The investigation into Haeckermann’s scheme was conducted by DSS and USCIS.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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