The federal government has arrested four individuals accused of operating a Social Security fraud scheme in California. Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, discussed this recent development as part of ongoing efforts to combat fraud and illegal immigration.

Brazilian National Ordered Deportation

Mario Cesar Dos Santos Jr., a Brazilian national, has been ordered deported. He admitted to creating a fake branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He was also involved in selling counterfeit DHS and FBI identification, falsely claiming these would provide immunity from immigration officers. Dos Santos, who entered the U.S. in 2016 and overstayed his visa, was arrested in February at Orlando International Airport.

The individual pleaded guilty to wire fraud and using government seals fraudulently. Authorities assert he managed a sham called the “Chaplain Emergency Management Agency” (CEMA). Dos Santos charged $400 per person for bogus training courses, which drew 30 to 45 participants per seminar, generating about $14,000 in revenue.

Details of the Scheme

The fake certificates prominently featured unauthorized DHS and FBI seals. This led to Dos Santos’s arrest after a thorough investigation by the DHS, FBI, and FEMA. He even sold clothing and merchandise with official seals. A confidential informant confirmed purchasing these items at a seminar.

The CEMA’s website and social media accounts promoted courses and displayed altered DHS seals. The organization falsely claimed accreditation by established education bodies.

Punishment and Broader Implications

Dos Santos faces up to 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for December 18. The broader Trump administration campaign focuses on fraud elimination, led by Vice President JD Vance’s Task Force. This initiative resulted in over 2,000 fraud investigations by FEMA in the 2025 fiscal year.