On March 17, 2025, Marco Antonio Piscoche received a 32-year prison sentence from the Peruvian Prosecutor's Office Against Organized Crime. He was charged with organized crime and human smuggling. The sentencing concludes a long-term cooperation between the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the Peruvian National Police, and the Peruvian Prosecutor's Office Against Organized Crime.
The chain of events began in 2017 when DSS special agents and investigators at the U.S. Embassy in Peru detected fraud in non-immigrant visa applications by Peruvian citizens. It was revealed that over 120 applicants had obtained U.S. visas through fraudulent services provided by Piscoche.
Further investigation, in collaboration with the Peruvian National Police, revealed that Piscoche supplied fake documents for hundreds of visa applicants. He also facilitated the smuggling of illegal aliens from Peru to the United States via Mexico.
The Peruvian Prosecutor’s Office Against Organized Crime noted that Piscoche had a criminal history, including a prior arrest in Nicaragua for child trafficking. It was also discovered that he led a network involved in bribing immigration officials and charging illegal aliens around $15,000 for U.S. visas or smuggling services.
Upon his arrest by the Peruvian National Police, along with his criminal associates, it was found that Piscoche had laundered over $1.3 million through a front company. His criminal activities were brought to an end in 2020.
The investigation highlights the DSS's role in working with international partners to tackle crimes like human smuggling, fugitive apprehension, visa fraud prevention, and countering illegal immigration. DSS operates from more than 270 U.S. diplomatic posts in over 170 countries, showcasing its capacity to address transnational criminal networks.
Eric Weiner, DSS Public Affairs Specialist, stated, "This investigation exemplifies how DSS frequently works with our partners overseas to combat transnational crimes like human smuggling, apprehend fugitives, protect the integrity of U.S. borders, prevent visa fraud, and counter illegal immigration."
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