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Alleged sponsorship scheme is uncovered
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Posted on May 12 2009
The Office of the Attorney General’s Investigation Unit has busted a businessman and an alien worker who were allegedly engaged in a sponsorship scheme.
Immigration investigator Erwin Flores alleged that Manny M. Torres, owner of S&Y Internet Game, concocted a scheme to employ Minglong Li through a sponsorship scheme so that Li would be able to remain in the CNMI with a valid entry permit.
Torres and Li were taken to the Superior Court yesterday afternoon for a bail hearing on charges of document fraud, conspiracy to commit document fraud, attempt to commit unlawful employment of aliens, conspiracy to commit unlawful employment of aliens, and inducement by fraudulent misrepresentation.
Associate Judge David A. Wiseman imposed a $200 cash bail for the temporary release of Torres.
When Saipan Tribune left the courtroom yesterday, the bail hearing for Li had yet to begin.
Flores said he executed an arrest warrant for Li on May 1 for overstaying in the CNMI without authorization.
Flores said that during his investigation, he discovered that Torres and Li were engaged in a sponsorship scheme.
During his interview with Li, Flores said the alien worker alleged that he met Torres at a Koblerville store in December 2008.
Torres allegedly promised Li to employ him as a cashier at his S&Y Internet Game in exchange for $2,000 so he would acquire an immigration status.
On Dec. 11, 2008, Li allegedly paid Torres $875 as processing fee to complete the sponsorship scheme.
Li said Torres told him on many occasions that he had not received any information from Labor about a hearing relating to his request to transfer to S&Y Internet Game.
Flores said that during his interview with Torres, the businessman admitted there was no intent for Li to perform any work for his company.
