Multijurisdictional Operation Targets Marriage Fraud Scheme Involving U.S. Service Members

On February 11, 2025, the Homeland Security Task Force in Jacksonville, Florida, announced a significant enforcement operation against a Chinese transnational criminal organization involved in marriage fraud. A three-count indictment unsealed on February 4 charged 11 individuals with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and bribery conspiracy. The scheme allegedly recruited U.S. service members to enter sham marriages with Chinese nationals, allowing these individuals to obtain immigration benefits and unauthorized access to U.S. military installations.

11 Charged in Florida for Chinese Marriage Fraud Immigration Scheme Targeting U.S. Service MembersNewsweek

The criminal organization targeted U.S. citizens, particularly armed forces members, offering financial compensation to enter into fraudulent marriages with Chinese nationals. The sham marriages occurred across multiple states, including Florida, New York, Connecticut, and Nevada. To create the appearance of legitimate relationships, conspirators staged photographs and fabricated evidence of committed partnerships. Participants were compensated through a structured payment plan: an upfront cash payment for the marriage, a second payment upon the foreign spouse obtaining legal immigration status, and a final payment after divorce.

11 Charged in Florida for Chinese Marriage Fraud Immigration Scheme Targeting U.S. Service Members

Among those charged are Anny Chen, 54, of New York; Sha Xie, 38, of China; Linlin Wang, 38, of China; and several others, including U.S. citizens Kiah Holly, 29, of Maryland, and Jaden Bullion, 24, of Florida. Each faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy charge. Anny Chen and Linlin Wang also face additional charges related to a specific sham marriage in Jacksonville.

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The indictment further alleges that Anny Chen, Hailing Feng, and Kin Man Cheok conspired to bribe a public official to obtain unauthorized Department of Defense identification cards for access to Naval Air Station Jacksonville. This aspect of the scheme came to light when Navy reservist Raymond Zumba, who has since pleaded guilty to bribery, attempted to facilitate the issuance of these cards for cash payments.

11 Charged in Florida for Chinese Marriage Fraud Immigration Scheme Targeting U.S. Service Members

Michael Cochran, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Tampa, emphasized the importance of the investigation, stating, “This investigation underscores the critical role that HSI plays in protecting our nation from transnational criminal organizations that seek to exploit our customs and immigration laws and threaten our national security.” Immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart noted that couples unable to provide evidence of a bona fide marriage would face increased scrutiny from immigration authorities.

11 Charged in Florida for Chinese Marriage Fraud Immigration Scheme Targeting U.S. Service Members

While the indictment outlines the charges and operations, details regarding the exact number of individuals involved and the full extent of the criminal network remain unclear. The investigation continues, with federal authorities actively seeking to apprehend the remaining suspects.

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Federal authorities will pursue denaturalization proceedings against Anny Chen, suspected of obtaining U.S. citizenship through fraudulent means. The investigation, led by HSI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, will continue to locate and apprehend the remaining individuals involved in the scheme. Sentencing hearings for the four former Navy personnel who have pleaded guilty are also pending.

11 Charged in Florida for Chinese Marriage Fraud Immigration Scheme Targeting U.S. Service Members

• “What People Are Saying Michael Cochran, HSI Tampa Acting Special Agent in Charge: "This investigation underscores the critical role that HSI plays in protecting our nation from transnational criminal organizations that seek to exploit our customs and immigration laws and threaten our national security.” — Michael Cochran, HSI Tampa Acting Special Agent in Charge

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• “Any couple that cannot provide evidence of the bona fide marriage factors such as cohabitation, shared assets, shared living expenses, joint bank accounts, travel together, time spent with each other's family, etc. will face heightened scrutiny.” — Kevin J. Stewart, Immigration Attorney

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