Former Mozambique finance minister Manuel Chang, convicted in a U.S. fraud case tied to billions in government-backed loans, ended up back in custody at Boston Logan after a problem with his travel documents derailed his expected deportation, according to his attorney. Chang was trying to board a flight out of Boston when Immigration and Customs Enforcement stepped in, and officials have not yet explained why his removal from the United States did not go forward.
Flight stopped at Logan
As reported by Bloomberg, airline staff at Boston Logan blocked Chang from boarding after spotting an issue with his travel papers. His lawyer, Adam Ford, told Bloomberg that the 70-year-old had been slated for deportation following his release from federal prison but was instead taken into ICE custody at the airport. Ford said his team is now chasing answers from immigration officials about Chang’s exact location and status.
Convicted in the 'tuna bonds' scandal
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Chang was convicted in August 2024 of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with roughly $2 billion in government-backed loans. The DOJ said he was sentenced in January 2025 to 102 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $7 million after prosecutors showed that more than $200 million was siphoned off for bribes and kickbacks. The case triggered coordinated investigations and penalties for banks and intermediaries that helped arrange the loans.
Why it matters at Logan
Chang’s detention at Logan puts a global corruption case squarely in the middle of Boston’s already tense debates over immigration enforcement at the airport. Local coverage has tracked increasing ICE activity and frequent transfers of detainees out of state, a pattern that can make it difficult for families and attorneys to keep up with where people are held, according to Boston.com. Advocates say last minute custody shifts at the airport create uncertainty about legal access and can throw the timing of removal proceedings into flux.
Next steps and legal outlook
The Justice Department noted at sentencing that Chang was likely to be deported after serving his term, but his immediate fate now lies with immigration authorities and the Department of Homeland Security. It is still unclear whether he will soon be placed on a removal flight or held longer for additional administrative review. His attorney says they are pressing officials for details, as reported by Bloomberg. Legal advocates caution that rapid transfers and surprise detentions can slow access to counsel and complicate any attempt to challenge removal.
Hoodline previously covered Chang’s U.S. sentence in January 2025 in a piece on his Over 8-Year U.S. Sentence. We will update this story if authorities or Chang’s legal team release new information.
