Feds bust alleged California Social Security fraud ring
Central District of California U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli discusses the latest developments in the federal arrest of four immigrants accused of operating a Social Security fraud ring, the alleged scheme’s reach, and the Trump administration’s broader efforts to combat fraud and illegal immigration on America Reports.
Mario Cesar Dos Santos Jr., 50, entered the United States in 2016 and overstayed his visa, according to the Department of Homeland Security. He remains in removal proceedings and was arrested in February at Orlando International Airport after arriving on a flight from Boston.
Dos Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and the fraudulent use of government seals.
Authorities accuse Dos Santos of running a sham organization called the “Chaplain Emergency Management Agency” and charging $400 per person for fraudulent training courses that generated approximately $14,000. (Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Case #5:26cr17, USA v. Dos Santos)
As part of the alleged scheme, Dos Santos presented himself as the president of the “Chaplain Emergency Management Agency,” or CEMA, a fictitious federal agency he created to persuade seminar attendees to pay for supposed protection from immigration enforcement.
Although the training courses were advertised as free, participants were charged between $400 and $450 for bogus certificates they believed could shield them from deportation, authorities said. Each seminar attracted roughly 30 to 45 people.
FORMER USCIS OFFICIAL, ACCOMPLICE CHARGED IN ALLEGED $960K CITIZENSHIP BRIBERY SCHEME
Prosecutors said the fraudulent certificates carried unauthorized DHS and FBI seals. The alleged scheme led to Dos Santos’ arrest in Florida following an investigation by DHS, the FBI and FEMA. The Brazilian national now faces deportation as well as possible prison time. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images / Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Case #5:26cr17, USA v. Dos Santos)
Dos Santos also allegedly sold clothing, badges, stickers and other merchandise displaying official DHS and Federal Emergency Management Agency seals. FEMA coordinates the federal response to natural disasters and human-caused emergencies.
According to authorities, a confidential informant bought several of the items at a training seminar last year.
Prosecutors said the fraudulent certificates displayed unauthorized DHS and FBI seals, prompting his arrest in Ocala after an investigation involving DHS, the FBI and FEMA. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images / Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Case #5:26cr17, USA v. Dos Santos)
Authorities said CEMA’s website, social media accounts and group chat promoted upcoming courses and displayed an altered DHS seal. The group chat had more than 750 members when the investigation began in August 2025.
The organization also falsely claimed accreditation from the International Association for Continuing Education and the American Council on Education.
Dos Santos faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 18.
The Trump administration has made the fight against fraud, government waste and abuse a priority, creating the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud under Vice President JD Vance. DHS said FEMA investigated more than 2,000 fraud cases during fiscal year 2025.
