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Federal prosecutors have charged a Michigan couple with exploiting hundreds of undocumented workers to run a multi-million-dollar plumbing company in four states. 

According to a criminal complaint, Moises Orduna-Rios and Raquel Orduna-Rios are the owners of Orduna Plumbing Inc., which operated in Michigan, New York, North Carolina, and Ohio.

Investigators say the business employed approximately 253 workers, but only six were legally authorized to work in the United States.

Allegations of Organized Labor Exploitation

Federal authorities allege the couple built a sophisticated operation designed to recruit, house, transport, and pay undocumented workers while avoiding detection.

According to the complaint, workers’ passports were allegedly collected, and many were placed in overcrowded houses and hotel rooms controlled by the company. Workers were then transported between states in company-registered vans to job sites.

Between January 2022 and August 2025, prosecutors say Orduna Plumbing generated roughly $74 million in customer revenue.

Traffic Stops, Arrests, and Raids

The investigation involved Border Patrol, ICE, and other federal agencies. Agents arrested 23 undocumented workers connected to the company in Buffalo, Rochester, and Charlotte— often after stopping vans registered to Orduna Plumbing.

Police also executed a search warrant in Rochester, where they found nine undocumented men living in a tiny, overcrowded home allegedly tied to the business.

WhatsApp Messages Revealed

Prosecutors say they recovered WhatsApp messages that show Moises Orduna-Rios actively evading law enforcement.

In one group message dated February 1, 2025, Moises allegedly warned workers to limit their movements and avoid attention:

“Gentlemen, with all the controversy that is going on, it’s better to get ready, drive the speed limit, limit yourselves going to the store, only do minimal running of errands, and do not have any gatherings such as barbeques…”

Money Laundering Charges Added

A financial investigation found the couple allegedly used multiple bank accounts to pay illegal workers and move money, leading prosecutors to file money laundering charges in addition to immigration-related offenses.

Some of the charges carry potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison, along with fines of $3,000 per unauthorized worker.

Moises and Raquel Orduna-Rios have appeared in federal court in Michigan and were released under conditions while the case continues.