The Justice Department announced criminal charges on Wednesday against 11 individuals accused of orchestrating a decade-long marriage fraud operation that allegedly helped more than 1,000 Chinese nationals obtain permanent U.S. residency. The indictment, filed in the Southern District of New York, details what prosecutors describe as an extensive and lucrative scheme.
According to the 21-page indictment, the defendants played various roles in the operation, including as facilitators, recruiters, and officiants who conducted sham marriage ceremonies. The scheme allegedly operated across multiple states—Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida—as well as abroad in Vanuatu and China.
Attorney General Todd Blanche called the case "one of the largest marriage fraud prosecutions" in U.S. history during a press conference. He emphasized the criminal nature of the enterprise, stating, "This scheme was not a quick, fly-by-night operation, but rather a yearslong, multimillion-dollar cottage industry to criminally assist people who would not, or legally could not, otherwise become citizens of the United States."
Prosecutors allege that Chinese nationals paid up to $100,000 for the fraudulent services, with participating U.S. citizens receiving as much as $30,000. The alleged ringleaders include Amy Cheng, Xiao Mei Chan, Xiao Yan Chan, and Gang Zheng. U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald for the Southern District of New York indicated that the scheme generated "tens of millions of dollars" over its duration.
The indictment includes photographs purportedly showing several sham marriage ceremonies, which prosecutors say were conducted to create the appearance of legitimate unions. McDonald noted that the defendants were expected to appear in federal court in White Plains, N.Y., later that afternoon, where many of the recruiters allegedly operated.
Blanche framed the charges as part of a broader effort to uphold the integrity of the immigration system, saying, "Gaining American citizenship and legal status to reside in this great nation is a sacred privilege, and we will ensure it is always done in accordance with the law, protecting our communities and national security."
This case follows other recent federal actions targeting immigration fraud, including the State Department's expanded visa revocations and its task force on birth tourism. The Justice Department's crackdown on marriage fraud is part of a wider effort to combat illegal immigration channels, as seen in the recent dismissal of charges in a separate case.
The charges against the 11 defendants mark a significant escalation in federal enforcement against marriage fraud, which authorities say undermines the legal immigration process. The case is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the judicial process unfolds.
