Filipino concert promoter charged with fraud, alien smuggling
Luciano has been charged with a total of 29 felony counts of visa fraud, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, harboring an illegal alien and alien smuggling. 
HAGATNA, Guam — A Filipino concert promoter is facing a host of federal charges in Guam, including visa fraud and alien smuggling, for allegedly recruiting Filipino musicians to work in what is colloquially known as “buy-me-drinkie bars.”
Jemuel Luciano, who holds a permanent United States resident status, has been charged in the US District Court with a total of 29 felony counts of visa fraud, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, harboring an illegal alien and alien smuggling.
Court documents showed Luciano was indicted by a grand jury on December 30, 2015 but indictment records were unsealed only on Monday, June 20.
Luciano allegedly secured entertainment visas for members of the Faith Cuneta Band and the Gems Band through his Guam-based company, Royal Entertainment Productions, between April 2011 and March 2014 and “conspired to have them work at island bars as hostesses.”
According to federal investigation, Luciano told the band members that part of their job “would be selling drinks in Guam,” in violation of restrictions for “O non-immigrant visa” which is granted to foreign national athletes, artists, bands, performers and other engaged in the entertainment industry.
Female band members allegedly worked “pushing drinks to customers” at Stargazer Bar, Club Chicboy, Josie's Tavern, and Club Underpass in Guam.
“Luciano profited from each drink sold by the female band members, earning a profit of approximately $10 from every $30 drink sold. Another $10 went to the establishment with $10 given to the band member turned hostess,” according to court records.
Luciano used part of the proceeds from the drink sales to pay the band members' monthly salaries and all other band-related expenses including apartment rental fees.
Luciano, who founded his entertainment company in 2006, is alleged to have illegally housed the band members at his condominium.
The US attorney is seeking to sequester Luciano's property.
Sources said Luciano came back to Guam early this week from a trip to Manila, but it was unclear as of press time if he was in federal custody. He is scheduled to appear in federal court on Monday, June 27.
Luciano’s Facebook profile showed he graduated from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and identified himself as “artist at GMA Network/ABS-CBN.” – Rappler.com
