Jun 4, 2025

Foreign Labor Contracting

If you’re reading this, federal agents have probably already knocked on your door – or they’re about to. You recruited foreign workers. You made promises about jobs, wages, housing. Now the DOJ says you committed fraud. You’re facing 5 years in federal prison and $250,000 in fines – per count. That’s not speculation. That’s 18 U.S.C. § 1351. And if they add trafficking charges, you’re looking at 20 years.

You’re researching lawyers online instead of calling one. Every hour matters in federal foreign labor contracting cases. Federal prosecutors have a 95% conviction rate. Without proper representation, you’re likely to become part of that statistic.

At Spodek Law Group – we understand the fear you’re experiencing, and we take this very seriously. Our top rated federal criminal defense attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience handling the toughest foreign labor contracting cases. We’re not your average law firm – we get it. We’re available 24/7, nationwide – coast to coast – because federal charges don’t wait for business hours.

You Don’t Understand What You’re Facing

You think this is about paperwork violations. It’s not. When someone faces foreign labor contracting charges, you need to understand: the government has been building this case for months, maybe years. They’ve analyzed your bank records, interviewed workers, traced wire transfers. By the time you receive that target letter – they already have their narrative.

Most people in your situation try to explain their way out. That’s how they end up convicted. You don’t know federal sentencing guidelines. You don’t understand mandatory minimums. This knowledge gap will hurt you.

The Department of Justice reported only 2 prosecutions for fraud in foreign labor contracting last year – but when they prosecute, they aim to make examples. Your case could set precedent. You need an attorney who has won federal cases. Not state cases. Federal cases. There’s a difference.

The Charges You’re Actually Facing

Foreign labor contracting fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1351 covers more than you think:

• False promises about wages or working conditions
• Misrepresenting housing arrangements
• Lying about the type of work
• Misleading workers about visa status
• Any material misrepresentation in recruitment

But here’s what keeps defendants awake at night – the related charges. Federal prosecutors rarely stop at one charge. If you recruited workers from Mexico,you could face:

• Human trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 1589) – up to 20 years
• Visa fraud – up to 15 years per count
• Money laundering – if you paid workers in cash
• Conspiracy charges – adding years to your sentence
• RICO violations – if multiple people were involved

Recent Cases Show the Stakes

In South Carolina, Enrique Balcazar got 40 months in federal prison for labor trafficking and foreign labor contracting fraud. He recruited 55 Mexican nationals with false promises. The court seized his firearms, body armor, and $32,000.

Andrew Cole in Missouri pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and fraud in foreign labor contracting. He recruited workers from the Dominican Republic, promising hotel jobs in Kansas City. Instead – they ended up in Alabama factories, threatened with deportation if they complained.

California’s Satish Kartan received 188 months in prison – that’s over 15 years – for forced labor violations related to foreign workers. The government called it “modern-day slavery.”

These aren’t outliers. They’re the new normal in federal prosecution.

Why Spodek Law Group

Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors, we fight. Many law firms are “mills” and take on every single client – we don’t. We focus on only working with clients who we can truly help. Our premier criminal defense team includes former federal prosecutors who know how the government builds these cases.

Todd Spodek, our founding partner, is a second-generation attorney who has handled thousands of tough cases. His work has been featured on NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and others. In 2022, Netflix released a special TV series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey, also known as Anna Sorokin.

We are one of the few law firms in the country have a completely online digital portal – allowing you to track your case 24/7 from anywhere. Our rock star team provides white-glove service while aggressively defending your freedom.

Defense Strategies That Actually Work

When a defendant faces these charges, you need more than hope – you need strategy. Our top rated attorneys have successfully defended foreign labor contracting cases using:

Lack of Intent Defense

The government must prove you knowingly made false representations. If someone relied on staffing agencies, followed industry standards, or genuinely believed their recruitment practices were legal – that’s reasonable doubt. We’ve won cases by showing clients had good faith compliance programs, used E-Verify, and maintained proper documentation.

Challenging Cooperating Witnesses

Most foreign labor contracting prosecutions rely heavily on worker testimony. These witnesses often face deportation and are offered S visas or T visas in exchange for cooperation. They have enormous incentive to say what prosecutors want. Our attorneys know how to expose this pressure without attacking vulnerable workers.

Attacking the Financial Evidence

The DOJ builds cases through financial records – bank statements,wire transfers, cash withdrawals. But legitimate businesses often use these same practices. We challenge the government’s interpretation, showing that cash payments or international transfers don’t automatically equal fraud.

Constitutional Violations

Federal agents often violate Fourth Amendment rights during raids. If they seized evidence illegally, we can get it thrown out. When someone is interrogated without Miranda warnings, you have grounds for suppression. These technical defenses win cases.

The Investigation Process – What’s Happening Now

Federal investigations follow patterns. Understanding where you are helps us defend you:

Pre-Indictment Phase: You might receive a target letter or grand jury subpoena. Federal agents may interview employees, raid offices, or freeze assets. This is when hiring an attorney matters most – we can intervene before charges are filed.

Indictment: Once indicted, you’ll be arrested and arraigned. Bail in foreign labor contracting cases can be substantial – judges worry about flight risk, especially with international connections. Our nationwide team handles bail hearings coast to coast, fighting for your release.

Discovery: The government must share their evidence. In labor contracting cases, this includes:

• Worker interviews and statements
• Financial records and wire transfers
• Employment contracts and advertisements
• Immigration documents and visa applications
• Surveillance footage and wiretaps

Pre-Trial Motions: This is where cases are often won. We file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, and limit testimony. Our premier legal team knows which arguments work in federal court.

Trial or Plea: Federal conviction rates exceed 95% – but that includes guilty pleas. At trial, conviction rates drop significantly. We prepare every case for trial while negotiating from strength.

Sentencing Guidelines You Must Understand

Federal sentencing isn’t like state court.The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines create a point system:

• Base offense level for fraud: 6-7 points
• Number of victims: 2-6 additional points
• Dollar loss amount: Up to 30 additional points
• Vulnerable victims: 2 more points
• Sophisticated means: 2 more points
• Obstruction of justice: 2 more points

Each point matters. The difference between 20 points and 30 points could be years in prison. Our attorneys fight every enhancement, challenge loss calculations, and argue for downward departures.

If you’ve been in this country legally, have family ties, community support – these become crucial at sentencing. But you need attorneys who know how to present mitigation effectively. That’s what we do.

Related Charges That Compound Your Risk

Human Trafficking Enhancement

Under 18 U.S.C. § 1589, forced labor now includes “abuse of law or legal process.” What does that mean for you?

• Holding workers’ passports – even for “safekeeping”
• Workers who owe money for transportation
• Threatening deportation if workers complain
• Having workers do different jobs than promised on visas

Federal prosecutors increasingly charge labor contractors with trafficking. You brought workers on H-2B visas for hotel work but they’re doing construction? That could be trafficking. Workers can’t afford to return home? Economic coercion equals trafficking in federal court.

Money Laundering Multiplier

Paid workers in cash to avoid taxes? Used check cashing services? Made structured deposits under $10,000? Now you’re facing money laundering charges. Each transaction is a separate count – 20 workers paid weekly for a year equals 1,040 potential counts.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network shares data with immigration enforcement. Banks file Suspicious Activity Reports for unusual patterns. That construction company making large Friday cash withdrawals? Flagged. That farm wiring money to the same Western Union locations? Under surveillance.

Why Time Matters – Act Now

Federal investigations move fast once they surface. By the time you know you’re under investigation, agents have likely been working for months. They’ve already interviewed witnesses, analyzed records, maybe even placed informants.

Every day you wait:

• Witnesses get interviewed without your attorney present
• Evidence gets destroyed (obstruction charges)
• Co-defendants make deals
• Your options narrow

You think explaining yourself will help. It won’t. When a person talks to federal agents without counsel, you’re giving them ammunition. Even truthful statements get twisted. “I helped workers find housing” becomes evidence of controlling their movements.

Our 24/7 Response Team

Because federal agents don’t wait for business hours, neither do we. Our top rated criminal defense team is available nights, weekends, holidays. When you call Spodek Law Group for your free consultation, you reach actual attorneys – not answering services.

We immediately:

• Contact federal prosecutors to understand the investigation
• Intervene to prevent employee interviews
• Coordinate with immigration attorneys for worker witnesses
• Begin document preservation protocols
• Negotiate pre-indictment resolutions when possible

Our nationwide federal practice means we have relationships coast to coast. Whether your case is in New York, Texas,California, or anywhere between – we have the resources and experience to defend you.

The Consequences Beyond Prison

A federal conviction for foreign labor contracting fraud destroys more than freedom:

Professional Licenses: Medical, legal, contracting licenses – gone. Many professions bar felons permanently.

Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens face deportation after serving sentences. Even legal permanent residents lose status.

Business Destruction: Federal debarment means no government contracts. Ever. Your business becomes toxic to partners.

Asset Forfeiture: The government seizes “proceeds” of crimes. That includes legitimate business assets they claim were commingled.

Reputation: Federal convictions are public,permanent, and searchable. Future employers, lenders, landlords – everyone sees it.

What Makes Spodek Law Group Different

We’re not your typical criminal defense firm. Our approach combines:

Strategic Defense Planning

Every case gets a custom defense strategy. We don’t use templates or cookie-cutter approaches. Your case is unique – your defense should be too.

Resource Deployment

Foreign labor contracting cases require extensive investigation. We employ:

• Former federal agents as investigators
• Forensic accountants for financial analysis
• Immigration law experts for visa issues
• Interpreters for witness interviews
• Technology specialists for digital evidence

Trial Experience

While 95% of federal cases plead guilty, we prepare every case for trial. Prosecutors know this. It changes negotiations when they know we’ll actually fight.

Todd Spodek has tried cases nationwide. His experience includes high-profile federal matters that resulted in acquittals and dismissals. When we say we have over 50 years of combined experience, it’s in cases that matter – tough cases like yours.

Client Communication

Our digital portal gives you 24/7 access to your case. You see every document, every update, every strategy decision. No wondering what’s happening – you’re informed constantly.

We understand that when someone faces federal charges, you need more than legal representation. You need advisors who understand the personal toll, the family impact, the sleepless nights. We get it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly do I need an attorney?

Immediately. Federal investigations move fast once they surface. The sooner we intervene, the more options you have. If agents have contacted you – even informally – you need representation now.

What if I can’t afford bail?

Our premier criminal defense team includes bail specialists who work nationwide. We coordinate with bail bondsmen, argue for reasonable conditions, and fight detention orders. Many clients get released on signature bonds or home detention.

Should I cooperate with investigators?

Never without an attorney. Even truthful cooperation can be twisted. We can arrange controlled cooperation that protects your interests while potentially earning leniency.

What about my employees?

Your employees need separate counsel. We can coordinate with other attorneys to ensure consistent defenses while protecting everyone’s rights. Employee cooperation often drives these prosecutions – proper representation limits damage.

Can these charges be resolved without trial?

Many cases resolve through negotiation. Pre-trial diversion, deferred prosecution agreements, or favorable pleas are possible. But prosecutors only negotiate from weakness – you need attorneys who create that weakness through aggressive defense.

Foreign Labor Contracting