A federal investigation has uncovered a major case involving illegal labor practices by a Michigan-based plumbing company that operated in several states, including New York.
The couple behind the business is now facing serious charges after allegedly making millions by using undocumented workers on construction sites.
Couple Accused of Hiring Over 240 Undocumented Workers
Moises Orduna-Rios (36) and Raquel Orduna-Rios (30), a couple from suburban Detroit, are at the center of a federal criminal case. According to prosecutors, their company — Orduna Plumbing — earned $74 million between 2022 and August 2025 by hiring more than 240 undocumented workers.
These workers were used at construction sites not only in Michigan but also in cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and even Charlotte, North Carolina. The company allegedly provided workers for large-scale jobs while avoiding labor costs like taxes, fair wages, and insurance.
Investigation Started in Amherst, NY
The case began gaining attention in January 2020, when U.S. Border Patrol agents started surveillance at an Extended Stay America hotel in Amherst, a suburb of Buffalo. Agents spotted a work van registered to Orduna Plumbing and approached a man near it. That man admitted he was working for the company and was in the U.S. illegally.
Further investigation led to the discovery of two more undocumented workers inside the hotel room. All three were arrested, and the investigation quickly expanded across multiple states.
Charges Filed Against the Couple
According to the criminal complaint, the couple is now facing federal charges that include:
- Employing and harboring undocumented individuals for profit
- Conspiracy to bring in and transport undocumented workers
- Money laundering connected to illegal labor operations
Agents also found a home in Rochester this past summer where nine undocumented workers were living in poor conditions while working for the company.
Labor Leader Not Surprised
Paul Brown, President of the Buffalo Building Trades Council, said this type of illegal activity is unfortunately common in the construction industry. He explained that some companies cut corners by hiring undocumented workers to avoid paying taxes and proper wages.
He added, “They’ll pack 20 of them in a hotel room. It’s pretty brutal.” According to him, when the IRS starts catching up with these operations, companies often change their name and reopen under a new identity.
Company Website Taken Down
Orduna Plumbing has since taken down its official website, which had previously listed services offered at large construction sites. There is no word yet on whether the company is still operating under a different name or identity.
Court Proceedings and What’s Next
Moises and Raquel Orduna-Rios appeared in Federal Court in Detroit earlier this week and are set to appear again on December 2 in Rochester Federal Court. At this time, there’s no information on whether they have legal representation or how they plan to respond to the charges.
Federal officials say the investigation is still ongoing and could lead to more arrests or business shutdowns connected to this illegal operation.
FAQ
Q1. Who are Moises and Raquel Orduna-Rios?
They are a Michigan couple accused of running a plumbing company that illegally hired over 240 undocumented workers and made $74 million from 2022 to 2025.
Q2. What is Orduna Plumbing accused of?
The company allegedly used undocumented labor on job sites in NY, NC, and MI. They’re facing charges like employing unauthorized workers, conspiracy, and money laundering.
Q3. Where did the investigation start?
It began in Amherst, NY, when agents spotted a van linked to the company and found three undocumented workers at a hotel.
Q4. What happens next in court?
The couple appeared in federal court in Detroit and are scheduled to appear again on December 2 in Rochester, NY.
Q5. Is Orduna Plumbing still in operation?
Their website has been taken down. Authorities suspect the company may resurface under a different name, a tactic common in such cases.
