Full Breakdown
Plymouth Couple Charged with Employing Unauthorized Workers and Money Laundering
11/20/2025, 4:30:57 PM
Overview of the Charges
Moises Orduna-Rios, 36, and Raquel Orduna-Rios, 30, of Plymouth, Michigan, have been arrested and charged with multiple federal offenses related to the employment of unauthorized aliens and money laundering. The couple operates Orduna Plumbing Inc., a plumbing business with operations in Michigan, New York, North Carolina, and Ohio. The charges include conspiracy, transporting and harboring unauthorized individuals for commercial advantage, and employing at least 10 unauthorized workers within a 12-month period.
Employment of Unauthorized Workers
According to the criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York, from January 2022 to December 2024, the Orduna-Rios couple employed approximately 253 individuals, of whom only six were legally authorized to work in the United States. The investigation revealed that the couple allegedly collected passports from unauthorized workers and housed them in overcrowded conditions, including homes and hotels.
Financial Implications
The plumbing company reportedly generated around $74 million in revenue between January 2022 and August 2025. Investigators uncovered that the couple paid hundreds of unauthorized employees through multiple bank accounts controlled by them. The financial review indicated a systematic approach to employing unauthorized workers, which was allegedly designed to maximize profits while minimizing legal risks.
Investigative Findings
The investigation, conducted by Customs and Border Protection, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division, and other federal agencies, included the arrest of 23 unauthorized workers employed by Orduna Plumbing in cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, and Charlotte. Communications between Moises and the unauthorized workers were also examined, revealing discussions about payroll, vehicle maintenance, and strategies to avoid law enforcement detection. For instance, in February 2025, Moises advised workers to limit their errands and avoid gatherings to evade potential arrests.
Official Statements & Responses
Following their arrest, Moises and Raquel Orduna-Rios made an initial court appearance in the Eastern District of Michigan and were released under specific conditions. They are scheduled to appear in the Western District of New York on December 2, 2025. The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized the seriousness of the charges, highlighting the impact of employing unauthorized workers on both the economy and legal labor markets.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the couple's practices have raised concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable populations and the broader implications for labor standards in the plumbing industry. The case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of employers in ensuring compliance with immigration laws and the ethical treatment of workers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the criminal complaint states that the couple employed approximately 253 individuals, there is some variation in the reported number of unauthorized workers involved. The exact figures and the full extent of the operations remain under investigation, with further details expected to emerge during the upcoming court proceedings.
