Federal prosecutors have charged nearly a dozen individuals connected to a marriage fraud network that orchestrated over 1,000 fake marriages. The scheme allegedly charged Chinese nationals up to $100,000 to engage in marriages with U.S. citizens to secure green cards. The Justice Department revealed these details on Wednesday.
The unsealed indictment in New York City names 11 defendants, all naturalized U.S. citizens from China, along with one green card holder. They face charges of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, immigration document fraud, and conspiracy to encourage unlawful residence of aliens in the U.S.
Alleged Network Operations
The Justice Department identified the accused as Amy Cheng, 72; Xiao Mei Chan, 64; Christine Lu, 52; Jing Yan Ye, 43; Xiao Yan Chen, 48; Gang Zheng, 61; Anthony Cheng, 47; Michelle Duenas, 35; Angela Duenas, 26; Sigrid Cetino, 32; and Erika Johnson, 43.
According to authorities, the New York City-based operation ran from at least 2016 through July 2026. The scheme involved coordinating sham marriages between Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens. Facilitators managed the overall scheme, while recruiters identified American citizens willing to participate. Assistants prepared the necessary immigration documents and coordinated the submission of green card applications.
Foreign nationals reportedly paid as much as $100,000 for these fraudulent marriages, while U.S. citizens received up to $30,000 in increments related to the green card application process. Recruiters earned up to $5,000 for each participant they secured.
Actions to Mask Fraud
The fraudulent marriages took place across the U.S. and overseas, including in Vanuatu and China. Defendants staged family photos in restaurants to make the marriages appear genuine, complete with wedding attire, photographers, and attendees.
Blanche explained that the married couples would visit an office affiliated with the scheme to complete forms for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They also engaged in USCIS interview preparation sessions. Organizers arranged for prenuptial agreements that waived rights to each other’s estates, emphasizing the sham nature of the marriages. Typically, once a foreign national obtained a green card, a divorce was organized.
Impact and Investigations
U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald stated the scheme generated tens of millions of dollars over its duration, making this one of the largest marriage fraud prosecutions in U.S. history. Authorities are considering revoking the green cards of those involved.
The Trump administration focused on cracking down on marriage and immigration fraud, enhancing interview scrutiny, and increasing arrests and prosecutions. In a related case from February, individuals were charged in a similar scheme involving U.S. military service members marrying Chinese citizens.
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