El Paso Standard

An individual from Brazil residing in Woburn has been apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly selling counterfeit Social Security and green cards. The arrest took place on March 18.

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 in October 2024 for $250. In December 2024, it is claimed that he sold two additional Social Security cards and green cards to the same officer for $500.

The charges against Tavares De Barros could result in a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine reaching $250,000. Upon completion of any sentence imposed, he will also be subject to deportation. ICE had previously removed Tavares De Barros from the country in both 2010 and 2022.

This investigation was led by the ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF). The DBFTFs focus on dismantling transnational criminal organizations that pose threats to U.S. national security and public safety while addressing vulnerabilities within the immigration system. These task forces aim to maximize resources through collaboration, eliminate duplicated efforts, promote information sharing, and maintain strong law enforcement presence against fraudulent activities related to documents and benefits.

It is important to note that the details outlined in the charging documents are allegations at this stage. Liene Tavares De Barros is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.