US charges 11 in marriage fraud scheme that netted millions, officials say

U.S. authorities have arrested 11 people accused of arranging more than 1,000 sham marriages, most of them involving Chinese nationals seeking permanent residency in the United States, prosecutors said. Attorney General Todd Blanche described the case as one of the largest marriage-based fraud schemes in U.S. history. Investigators found that Chinese nationals paid up to $100,000 for fake marriages with U.S. citizens, who in turn received up to $30,000 for participating, according to court filings. Blanche said the operation generated millions of dollars over several years and was not a short-term scheme. Jay McConald, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said the 11 people detained include 10 U.S. citizens of Chinese origin and one lawful permanent resident. According to prosecutors, the defendants allegedly recruited U.S. citizens into the sham weddings and staged ceremonies complete with an officiant, wedding dress, photographer and guests to make the unions appear genuine. The defendants face charges of marriage and immigration fraud carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and encouraging unlawful residence, which carries up to 10 years. The case is being prosecuted in the Southern District of New York.