A man once at the center of a suspected immigration fraud scheme is now publicly denouncing his green card spouse, saying her disappearance was part of a larger deception.

Alan Cacace, the Argentinian man who had a green card marriage with Hannah Kobayashi, alleged on Friday that her mysterious disappearance in November 2024 was linked to a fraudulent immigration plan that imploded when group tensions escalated, as the New York Post reports.

Kobayashi, 31, went missing in November 2024 after abruptly leaving Los Angeles International Airport, where she and others were staging a trip to convince immigration officials their marriages were real. She later reappeared in Mexico and claimed she had no idea a major search operation was underway in the United States.

Now, her Argentinian spouse, Cacace, describes feeling betrayed and used, accusing Kobayashi of orchestrating a fake marriage and manipulating everyone involved. Their wedding, which took place in Maui, Hawaii, was never about love, according to Cacace. He says he paid her $15,000 to take part in the sham ceremony.

Adding to the complexity, Cacace claims that Kobayashi turned around and promised him $15,000 to stay quiet about the arrangement—but allegedly never followed through. “She’s a terrible person,” Cacace said on June 6. “She lied to me once again.”

Group effort exposed amid Kobayashi's disappearance

According to statements made by Cacace, the arrangement was part of a broader group effort involving Kobayashi, her ex-boyfriend Amun Muniz-Miranda, and the ex-boyfriend’s green card spouse. The group was supposedly traveling together as part of a scheme to substantiate their fake marriages.

But things took a turn just before their planned flight from Los Angeles to New York. Tensions reportedly boiled over within the group, prompting Kobayashi to flee the airport unexpectedly. Her sudden departure kicked off a nationwide manhunt that captivated public attention for weeks.

With fears growing for her safety, the FBI launched an investigation in December 2024 into whether her disappearance was connected to a criminal conspiracy involving immigration fraud. Law enforcement pursued multiple leads, and theories emerged about her motives and whereabouts.

Kobayashi found alone in Mexico as tragedy unfolds at home

Kobayashi eventually resurfaced in December 2024, thousands of miles away, traveling alone in Mexico. She later claimed to have been unaware that people in the United States were desperately looking for her or that federal authorities viewed her case as potentially criminal.

During her absence, tragedy struck her family. Her father, Ryan Kobayashi, 58, took his own life while trying to locate his missing daughter. His death intensified public interest in the case and left lingering emotional scars for those closest to the situation.

In May 2025, Kobayashi broke her silence on social media. She posted a message reflecting on the pain and loss the previous months had brought, saying that life is a “precious gift” and encouraging others to cherish time with loved ones. She also thanked those who invested effort, time, and energy into searching for her.

Accusations reveal deeper deception

Yet, while appearing publicly thankful, the bitter fallout between Kobayashi and Cacace suggests deeper betrayal behind the scenes. Cacace, who has now gone to the media, says his trust has been irreparably broken. “That girl is sick,” he said, revealing that he had held off speaking out earlier in the hope of resolving things privately.

“In exchange for my silence, she promised to give me my money back,” he said. “But I see now that it was all another lie.” His words raise serious concerns about the true nature of the green card arrangement and the lengths some may go to exploit the U.S. immigration system.

So far, no criminal charges have been announced in connection with the alleged immigration fraud, and Kobayashi has not responded to the latest allegations. Federal authorities have not released an update since December 2024, when the investigation was first made public.

Lessons to learn

1. Beware of fraudulent schemes that can turn dangerous. While Cacace and others may have entered into the agreement seeking personal gain, the consequences turned dire. These cases sometimes spiral out of control and can lead to criminal investigations, emotional trauma, and public scandal.

2. Know the risks before bending the rules. Immigration and legal systems are complex for a reason. Trying to manipulate them can backfire in ways that hurt not only those involved but also innocent family members, as seen with the devastating loss of Ryan Kobayashi.

3. Recognize that even elaborate plans can fall apart. The story underlines how seemingly cohesive conspiracies may crumble due to interpersonal conflict, resulting in exposure and unforeseen fallout. Most importantly, it's vital to remember that no matter what precautions someone takes, crime and deception can happen to anyone. Victims should never be blamed for others’ manipulation or harm.

Why this story matters

This story spotlights growing concerns about immigration fraud and the severe emotional consequences that schemes like this can cause. It also reminds us of the human cost hidden behind legal systems, especially when family ties are broken and mental health is at stake.

Moreover, the case highlights how fragile trust becomes when people exploit relationships for personal or legal gain. The fallout from such actions can shake families, communities, and governmental processes alike.

As the investigation continues, stories like these serve as cautionary tales that deeply matter in understanding how individual decisions can ripple outward and affect many others.