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11 arrested in New York in alleged international marriage fraud scheme
ABC7 New York • • nation
Key Points:
- Authorities in New York announced the arrest of 11 individuals involved in a decade-long international marriage scam that arranged sham marriages for foreign nationals seeking U.S. legal status.
- The scheme involved American citizens being paid thousands of dollars to marry Chinese nationals, with some foreign nationals paying up to $100,000 for assistance in obtaining green cards.
- Sham wedding ceremonies were staged with traditional Chinese attire, officiants, photographers, and attendees to create the appearance of legitimate marriages, often including prenuptial agreements for separate lives.
- Prosecutors estimate the network generated tens of millions of dollars, making it one of the largest marriage fraud cases in U.S. history, and the defendants face up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.
- The arrested individuals are being arraigned in White Plains, New York, as authorities continue to investigate the extent of the fraud.
