USCIS Assists in Marriage Fraud Conspiracy Investigation Resulting in 11 Indictments

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided key assistance during the investigation that led to a three-count indictment charging 11 individuals for their alleged roles in federal conspiracies related to marriage fraud and bribery. According to the indictment, the 11 individuals allegedly engaged in a conspiracy to recruit U.S. citizens, preferably members of the armed forces, to enter sham marriages to Chinese nationals who wanted to evade immigration laws and illegally get lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card).

The sham marriages took place around the United States, including in Jacksonville, New York, Connecticut, and Nevada. To create the illusion of a real marriage, the conspirators took photographs of the couples to present to USCIS officials to suggest that the marriages were legitimate and the couples were in loving, committed relationships.

The conspirators had agreed to a payment plan in which the U.S. citizen spouse would receive a cash payment up front for marrying the Chinese national, a second payment when the Chinese national got legal immigration status, and a final payment after the couple divorced. Two of the individuals also are charged with a sham marriage that occurred in Jacksonville in August 2024.

In related cases, four former servicemembers in the U.S. Navy have all pleaded guilty to charges related to the same scheme. Their sentencing hearings are pending.

The indictment also alleges that three of the individuals conspired to bribe a public official. Details are in the U.S. Attorney's news release. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI, and USCIS. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Mesrobian and Michael J. Coolican.

To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse to USCIS, please use the USCIS Tip Form.

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