Extensive Marriage Fraud Network Charges

Federal charges have been filed against nearly a dozen individuals linked to a widespread marriage fraud network. This scheme allegedly involved over 1,000 fake marriages designed to help Chinese nationals obtain U.S. green cards, according to statements from federal prosecutors on Wednesday.

The federal indictment, unveiled in New York City, lists 11 defendants. They are all naturalized U.S. citizens from China and one green card holder. Their charges include conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, immigration document fraud, and conspiracy to encourage illegal alien residency in the U.S., as stated by the Justice Department.

A photographer documented a sham marriage ceremony involving foreign nationals: Anthony Cheng, Erika Johnson, and Sigrid Cetino, occurring on January 15, 2025. A similar event took place on December 17, 2024, indicating widespread fraudulent activities.

The Justice Department confirmed the involvement of these individuals in a marriage fraud network that matched Chinese nationals with U.S. citizens. This indictment represents one of the largest marriage fraud cases in United States history, officials note.

Speaking at a news conference, U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche described the scheme as a prolonged and profitable enterprise. Facilitators, recruiters, and officiants played vital roles, facilitating illegal citizenship acquisition, according to Blanche.

An array of defendants has been named: 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 fraudulent network, based in New York City, operated from no later than 2016 through July 2026. It largely involved Chinese citizens marrying U.S. citizens, the DOJ revealed.

Authorities identified network facilitators who orchestrated the scheme, recruited American citizens, and ensured their involvement. Assistants aided in preparing immigration paperwork and coordinating green card applications.

Foreign participants paid up to $100,000 for sham marriages. U.S. citizens received payments of up to $30,000, often disbursed in installments tied to green card application milestones. Recruiters earned commissions up to $5,000, officials said.

Alleged sham marriages occurred both within the U.S. and internationally, including Vanuatu and China.

Defendants disguised the fraud by staging family photos at restaurants, presenting legitimate wedding appearances with attire, photographers, and guests, Blanche stated.

Post-marriage visits to local offices involved form submission to USCIS, instruction on interview processes, and execution of prenuptial agreements, effectively waiving estate rights upon death.

The scheme employed marriage officiants, attorneys, tax preparers, insurance providers, and other service providers.

Couples received coaching before USCIS interviews, and once a green card was obtained, organizers allegedly arranged divorces.

U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald commented on the substantial financial intake from the scheme, labeling it one of the largest marriage fraud prosecutions ever. Authorities are considering revocation of green cards for those involved.

The Trump administration emphasized curbing marriage and immigration fraud as a priority, highlighting stricter interviews, arrests, and document scrutiny.

In a related case, a similar fraud scheme involved U.S. military service members marrying Chinese citizens for privileges. This operation was organized by a transnational Chinese gang, leveraging military associations for immigration benefits.