Federal authorities have charged 11 people in what the U.S. Justice Department describes as one of the largest marriage-fraud prosecutions in American history, accusing the defendants of operating a multimillion-dollar network that arranged more than 1,000 sham marriages to help foreign nationals obtain U.S. immigration status.
A two-count federal indictment unsealed on August 12 alleges that the operation lasted for more than a decade and primarily matched U.S. citizens with foreign nationals, many of them citizens of China, for marriages that prosecutors say existed solely to obtain immigration benefits.
According to prosecutors, the network was centered largely in New York but operated across several states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida, while also maintaining international connections. Authorities say the alleged conspiracy functioned as an organized business involving recruiters, facilitators and other participants.
Foreign nationals seeking U.S. residency were allegedly charged as much as $100,000 for the service. American citizens who agreed to participate in the marriages could receive payments of up to $30,000, while recruiters were also compensated for finding potential participants.
Prosecutors allege that the operation went well beyond arranging wedding ceremonies. Participants allegedly created false documentation, staged wedding photographs and helped couples prepare for immigration interviews in an effort to convince authorities that their relationships were genuine.
The indictment names Amy Cheng, also known as Amy Zhou; Xiao Mei Chan, also known as Carmen; Christine Lu, also known as Lily; Jing Yan Ye, also known as Serene; Xiao Yan Chen, also known as Anna; Gang Zheng, also known as Michael or Mike; Anthony Cheng; Michelle Duenas; Angela Duenas; Sigrid Cetino; and Erika Johnson.
Federal authorities said 10 of the 11 defendants were arrested on August 12 and were expected to make initial appearances before a federal magistrate judge in White Plains, New York. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and immigration document fraud, an offense carrying a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison, as well as conspiracy to encourage or induce unlawful residence in the United States, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Any sentences would ultimately be determined by a federal judge if convictions occur.
Federal prosecutors say the investigation has dismantled a central part of a network that allegedly generated tens of millions of dollars while exploiting the U.S. immigration system. The case is being prosecuted in the Southern District of New York, and the investigation remains ongoing.
