Nearly a dozen individuals have been linked to a marriage fraud network that has existed for a decade. This network, allegedly involving over 1,000 sham marriages, faces federal charges for facilitating fake unions between U.S. citizens and Chinese nationals. The aim was to enable the latter to obtain green cards, with fees reaching up to $100,000, according to federal prosecutors.
A recently unsealed federal indictment in New York City includes charges against 11 individuals. These individuals, all naturalized U.S. citizens from China, along with one green card holder, were implicated in the marriage and immigration fraud conspiracy. Charges include conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and immigration document fraud. Additionally, they faced accusations of promoting the unlawful residence of aliens in the United States.
A visual depiction supposedly evidences an alleged sham marriage ceremony involving participants such as a foreign national, Anthony Cheng, and Erika Johnson on January 15, 2025. In another instance dated December 17, 2024, are Sigrid Cetino, Mr. Cheng, and another foreign national.
The indictment emerges as one of the most extensive marriage fraud prosecutions in the U.S., claimed the authorities. ‘This is a protracted and lucrative scheme designed to illicitly assist those who otherwise could not obtain U.S. citizenship,’ stated U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche at a press briefing.
The defendants operated in various capacities such as facilitators, recruiters, and officiants. Those charged include Amy Cheng, 72; Xiao Mei Chan, 64; Christine Lu, 52; Jing Yan Ye, 43; Xiao Yan Chen, 48; Gang Zheng, 61; Anthony Cheng, 47; Michelle Duenas, 35; Angela Duenas, 26; Sigrid Cetino, 32; Erika Johnson, 43.
The network reportedly functioned from 2016 through July 2026, predominantly between Chinese citizens and U.S. citizens. Facilitators orchestrated the fraudulent marriages and identified participating foreigners. Recruiters engaged American citizens and managed participation, while assistants compiled immigration paperwork and filed green card applications.
Foreign nationals paid up to $100,000 for the sham marriages, with American citizens earning up to $30,000 in increments. Recruiters received commissions as high as $5,000 for each successful enlistment.
Fake marriages were conducted both in the U.S. and overseas, including locations like Vanuatu and China. The defendants employed staged photographs to simulate legitimate weddings, complete with wedding apparel, photographers, and guests, stated Blanche.
Participating couples would visit an affiliate office, submit forms for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and receive coaching about USCIS interviews for green card applications. They often signed prenuptial agreements that excluded them from estate rights, reflecting the nature of these sham unions.
The operation also cooperated with marriage officiants, legal professionals, tax preparers, and insurance providers.
According to U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald for the Southern District of New York, the network amassed tens of millions of dollars over its decade-long operation, marking it as one of the largest marriage fraud prosecutions in U.S. history.
Authorities are contemplating revocation of the green cards obtained through these fraudulent marriages.
The Trump administration concentrated efforts on curbing marriage and immigration fraud, incorporating more rigorous interviews, heightened arrests, and scrutiny of suspect documentation.
In a related incident in February, 11 individuals faced similar charges involving U.S. military service members in a fraudulent marriage scheme aimed at securing immigration advantages for Chinese nationals. This scheme orchestrated by a Chinese gang allowed access to U.S. military infrastructure, as reported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).