Federal prosecutors have charged nearly a dozen individuals in connection with a marriage fraud network that allegedly involved more than 1,000 sham marriages aimed at helping Chinese nationals obtain U.S. green cards. The indictment, unsealed in New York City, names 11 defendants, including naturalized U.S. citizens from China and one green card holder, who face charges of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and immigration document fraud, among others.
According to U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, the scheme operated for over a decade, generating millions of dollars by charging participants up to $100,000 for fake marriages. Defendants acted as facilitators, recruiters, and officiants, with payments structured around the green card application process. U.S. citizens involved in the scheme reportedly received up to $30,000, while recruiters earned commissions of up to $5,000 for each participant.
The fraudulent marriages were staged to appear legitimate, including the use of family photos and prenuptial agreements that waived rights to each other's estates. The scheme allegedly included coaching for USCIS interviews and arrangements for divorces once green cards were obtained. Authorities estimate that the network generated tens of millions of dollars during its operation, making it one of the largest marriage fraud prosecutions in U.S. history. Investigations into the potential revocation of green cards for those involved are ongoing.