A man from Ecuador has pleaded guilty to visa fraud in federal court in Buffalo, New York. Pablo Marlon Frias Teran, 40, admitted to possessing a counterfeit United States Permanent Resident Card during an encounter with Customs and Border Protection officers on August 26, 2025. He acknowledged that the document was not legitimate and further investigation confirmed he had never been granted lawful permanent residency status.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the plea before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith is handling the case. “The plea is a result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy,” according to the statement.
Sentencing for Frias Teran is set for December 23, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., before Judge Arcara.
