Federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that 11 individuals have been charged in connection with a vast marriage fraud scheme that allegedly facilitated over 1,000 sham unions. The decade-long operation, which ran from at least 2016 through July 2026, is considered one of the largest marriage fraud prosecutions in U.S. history, according to the Justice Department.
The defendants, all naturalized U.S. citizens from China and one green card holder, are accused of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, immigration document fraud, and encouraging the unlawful residence of aliens in the United States. They face charges in the Southern District of New York.
Authorities stated the scheme involved charging Chinese nationals up to $100,000 for fake marriages to U.S. citizens, primarily to secure green cards. U.S. citizens participating in the scheme were reportedly paid up to $30,000, often in installments tied to the progress of their green card applications. Recruiters earned commissions of up to $5,000 for each U.S. citizen they enlisted.
"This scheme was not a quick fly-by-night operation, but rather a years-long, multimillion-dollar cottage industry to criminally assist people who would not, or legally could not, otherwise become citizens of the United States," said U.S. Attorney Todd Blanche during a press conference.
The network included facilitators who managed the operation and identified foreign nationals, recruiters who found U.S. citizens willing to participate, and assistants who prepared and submitted immigration paperwork. The Justice Department estimates the network generated tens of millions of dollars over its existence.
To create the illusion of legitimacy, defendants allegedly staged wedding photos and coached couples for interviews with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Prenuptial agreements were reportedly used to sever financial ties, a common tactic in sham marriages. Once a green card was obtained, organizers would arrange for the couple to divorce.
The scheme also involved marriage officiants, attorneys, tax preparers, and other service providers. The sham marriages reportedly took place across the U.S. and in overseas locations such as Vanuatu and China.
In February, 11 individuals were charged in a separate marriage fraud scheme that targeted U.S. military service members to marry Chinese citizens, aiming to grant immigration benefits and access to military installations. The investigation into that scheme was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.