Man from Ecuador pleads guilty to visa fraud

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Pablo Marlon Frias Teran, 40, a citizen and national of Ecuador, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to Visa fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that on August 26, 2025, Frias Teran was encountered by Customs and Border Protection officers in possession of a counterfeit United States Permanent Resident Card, which alleged his legal status in the United States. Frias Teran admitted that the document was not legitimate. Further investigation determined that Frias Teran was never granted a lawful Permanent Residence Card for the United States.

The plea is a result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 23, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.

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