Federal Charges in Marriage Fraud Network Involving Over 1,000 Fake Unions
Federal authorities have charged nearly a dozen individuals connected to a marriage fraud network. This scheme involved more than 1,000 sham marriages arranged for Chinese nationals. These individuals allegedly paid up to $100,000 each to marry U.S. citizens and secure green cards, according to federal prosecutors.
An indictment opened in New York City identified 11 defendants. These individuals are naturalized U.S. citizens from China, with one holding a green card. They face charges of marriage fraud conspiracy, immigration document fraud, and encouraging unlawful residence of aliens in the U.S., as stated by the Justice Department.
“This was not a quick operation but a years-long, multimillion-dollar industry,” remarked U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche during a news conference. He highlighted that the scheme aimed to help those who otherwise could not legally become U.S. citizens.
The defendants played various roles, such as facilitators, recruiters, and officiants. They included Amy Cheng, Xiao Mei Chan, Christine Lu, Jing Yan Ye, Xiao Yan Chen, Gang Zheng, Anthony Cheng, Michelle Duenas, Angela Duenas, Sigrid Cetino, and Erika Johnson.
The alleged fraud operated from at least 2016 through July 2026. It mainly involved Chinese citizens marrying U.S. citizens, with facilitators organizing the scheme. They identified foreign individuals, while recruiters found willing American citizens and ensured their participation. Assistants managed immigration paperwork and green card applications.
Foreign participants reportedly paid as much as $100,000 for the fake marriages. U.S. citizens involved earned up to $30,000, distributed in installments tied to the green card process. Recruiters received commissions of up to $5,000 per citizen recruited.
The fake marriages occurred both in the U.S. and overseas, including in Vanuatu and China. To hide the fraud, defendants staged photographs of families at restaurants, mimicking real wedding events with attire, photographers, and attendees, according to Blanche.
Each couple completed forms at a local office linked to the scheme, learned about the USCIS interview process, and signed prenuptial agreements. These agreements waived rights to the other’s estate, indicating the marriages were not genuine, Blanche noted.
The operation involved marriage officiants, attorneys, tax preparers, and other services. Couples were coached for USCIS interviews, and once a foreign national attained a green card, organizers allegedly arranged for divorces.
“This network generated tens of millions over a decade. It stands as one of the largest marriage fraud cases in U.S. history,” stated Jamie McDonald, U.S. attorney for Southern District of New York. He also mentioned potential revocation of green cards for those involved.
The Trump administration has targeted marriage and immigration fraud, stressing stricter interviews, arrests, and document scrutiny. In February, officials charged 11 people in a similar scheme that recruited U.S. military members to marry Chinese citizens to gain immigration benefits.