Romanian Alien Admits Conspiring to Commit Marriage Fraud

CAMDEN, N.J. - A Romanian alien admitted to conspiring with an American citizen to enter into a sham marriage so that she could obtain U.S. citizenship. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey made the announcement.

Antonia-Beatrice Mircea, 33, of Atlantic City, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud in federal court. According to statements made in court and documents filed in the case, Mircea is a citizen of Romania and entered into a sham marriage with U.S. citizen Victor Purilla to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States. Mircea lied on forms submitted to USCIS stating that she lived with Purilla in Atlantic City when, in fact, Purilla never lived with Mircea and he maintained his own residence in Absecon.

The charge of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud has a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2027.

The Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI's Newark Field Office investigated the case. USCIS aided the investigation.

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

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