Immigration

11 People Indicted in Alleged Marriage Fraud and Bribery Scheme Involving U.S. Citizens and Chinese Nationals

JACKSONVILLE, Florida — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has played a key role in a federal investigation that resulted in the indictment of 11 individuals accused of participating in an extensive marriage fraud and bribery conspiracy.

Federal prosecutors allege that the defendants were involved in recruiting U.S. citizens — including members of the armed forces — to enter into sham marriages with Chinese nationals seeking to unlawfully obtain lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a Green Card.

According to investigators, the fraudulent marriages were arranged in multiple states, including Florida, New York, Connecticut, and Nevada. The scheme allegedly involved staged photographs and fabricated evidence designed to convince immigration authorities that the marriages were legitimate and based on genuine relationships.

Authorities say the payment structure was organized in stages. U.S. citizen spouses reportedly received an initial cash payment for agreeing to the marriage, a second payment once the foreign national secured legal immigration status, and a final payment following divorce proceedings.

Two individuals face additional charges connected to a specific sham marriage that allegedly took place in Jacksonville in August 2024.

In related cases, four former U.S. Navy servicemembers have already pleaded guilty to charges linked to the same conspiracy. Their sentencing hearings are still pending.

The indictment also includes allegations that three of the defendants conspired to bribe a public official as part of the broader scheme.

Federal authorities emphasized that an indictment is a formal accusation and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI, and USCIS. The case is being prosecuted by federal attorneys in Florida.

Officials encourage the public to report suspected immigration fraud through official USCIS reporting channels.