Texas Residents Charged in Visa Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme
In a significant crackdown on immigration fraud, two Texas residents have been indicted for their involvement in an elaborate visa racket, raising serious questions about immigration integrity. Abdul Hadi Murshid, 39, and Muhammad Salman Nasir, 35, both originally from Pakistan, face charges that include visa fraud, money laundering, and RICO conspiracy, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham for the Northern District of Texas.
The Allegations: A Scheme Unraveled
According to the indictment, Murshid, Nasir, along with their law firm, the Law Offices of D. Robert Jones PLLC, and the business entity Reliable Ventures, Inc., engaged in a systematic scheme to defraud the United States immigration system. The duo allegedly facilitated fraudulent visa applications that allowed individuals—referred to as “visa seekers”—to unlawfully gain entry into the country and secure immigration status.
A Web of Deceit
The indictment outlines a complex conspiracy where Murshid and Nasir allegedly oversaw a multi-year operation that exploited several visa programs, including the EB-2, EB-3, and H-1B categories. They placed false advertisements in daily publications promoting non-existent job openings, a tactic used to satisfy the Department of Labor’s requirement to offer positions to U.S. citizens before hiring foreign nationals.
"These defendants are charged with extensive measures to hide a massive immigration fraud scheme that led to significant financial gain," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham.
The Mechanics of the Scheme
Once the fraudulently obtained certifications from the Department of Labor were secured, the defendants filed petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), enabling the visa seekers not only to enter but also to apply for permanent residency with green cards. To further legitimize their operation, they paid the visa seekers a portion of their fees disguised as "payroll" for the non-existent jobs.
Law Enforcement Response
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock emphasized the serious nature of these violations. “The defendants allegedly ran an international criminal enterprise undermining our nation’s immigration laws, which are essential for our national security.”
Upcoming Proceedings
Murshid and Nasir made their initial appearances in court on May 23, 2025. The government has requested their detention, with hearings set for May 30, 2025. It’s crucial to note that an indictment is merely an accusation; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Potential Consequences
If convicted, Murshid and Nasir face extensive penalties, including up to 20 years in federal prison. Furthermore, Murshid could face denaturalization, losing his U.S. citizenship due to the charges of unlawfully obtaining it.
Key Players in the Investigation
This operation was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and involved collaboration from several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor. The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ted Hocter, Tiffany H. Eggers, and Jongwoo Chung.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance
The indictment of Murshid and Nasir underscores the ongoing battle against immigration fraud in the United States. Law enforcement agencies are committed to holding accountable anyone who seeks to exploit the immigration process for personal gain. As this case unfolds, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of upholding immigration laws and maintaining public faith in the system.
For more on immigration fraud and its implications, you can consult resources from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or follow updates from the FBI.
