In California, a tax preparer confessed on Monday to assisting an illegal immigrant in submitting fraudulent federal tax returns, seeking $25 million in refunds, according to the Justice Department. 

Victor Cruz, 40, residing in Bakersfield, facilitated a scheme with Miguel Martinez, a Mexican national illegally present in the United States, between November 2019 and June 2023, as stated by prosecutors. 

A California man has admitted to helping an illegal immigrant from Mexico falsely claim $25 million in income tax returns.  (Getty Images; iStock)

Cruz was compensated with several thousand dollars in fees from Martinez for his assistance. Of the $25 million claimed in refunds, the IRS disbursed $2.3 million.

Martinez has pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme and was sentenced to six years in prison. Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17, 2025. 

He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.