An individual from Brazil, living in Woburn without legal authorization, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 18. The arrest is linked to accusations of selling counterfeit Social Security cards and Legal Permanent Resident cards, commonly known as "green cards."
The suspect, Liene Tavares De Barros Jr., aged 39, faces a charge of unlawful transfer of a document or authentication feature. According to the charging documents, Tavares De Barros allegedly sold a Social Security card and a green card to an undercover officer for $250 in October 2024. Later, in December 2024, he reportedly sold two more sets of these documents to the same officer for $500.
If convicted of unlawful transfer or production of document or authentication feature, Tavares De Barros could face up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine reaching $250,000. Additionally, he would be subject to deportation after serving any imposed sentence. ICE had previously removed him from the United States in 2010 and again in 2022.
The investigation was carried out by the ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF). This task force focuses on dismantling transnational criminal organizations that pose threats to U.S. national security and public safety while addressing weaknesses within the immigration system. By working together with various partners, DBFTFs aim to maximize resources, avoid duplicating efforts, enhance information sharing, and maintain a robust law enforcement presence against fraudulent activities related to documents and benefits in the country.
It is important to note that the details mentioned in the charging documents are allegations at this stage. The defendant remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
