A Mexican national has admitted in federal court to participating in a scheme that staged armed robberies in the Kansas City area, allowing individuals to falsely claim victim status to obtain immigration visas.
Oscar Gutierrez, 36, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty March 31, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to conspiracy to fraudulently secure immigration visas. Gutierrez, a citizen of Mexico, acknowledged his role in orchestrating staged robberies designed to support fraudulent U-Visa applications.
The case began with a criminal complaint filed under seal Jan. 30, 2025, in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City. The complaint was later unsealed following Gutierrez’s arrest and initial appearance. On Feb. 6, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Gutierrez and co-defendant Jose Luis Morales Salgado on the same conspiracy charge.
According to court proceedings, individuals contacted Salgado to arrange participation in staged robberies so they could present themselves as victims of violent crimes. These individuals, who were either unlawfully present in the United States or legally present under work visas, paid thousands of dollars to take part. In return, Salgado directed them to specific locations where the robberies would be staged.
Salgado, who pleaded guilty March 23, 2026, admitted recruiting individuals to pose as armed robbers. Gutierrez was among those recruited. During the staged incidents, participants would pull over under the pretense of...
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