U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) played a key role in a federal investigation that led to the arrest of 10 people and multiple indictments in a nationwide marriage fraud operation.
10 arrested in federal marriage fraud scheme
On April 24, ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), working with USCIS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Maryland, arrested 10 individuals for participating in fraudulent marriages. These marriages were arranged to help foreign nationals illegally obtain immigration benefits.
In addition, federal prosecutors indicted four individuals for organizing the fraud ring. The operation spanned multiple states and involved fake documents, staged weddings, and falsified health records.
Investigation reveals years-long fraud network
In April 2022, HSI Maryland’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force launched an investigation with support from USCIS and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. As a result of extensive interviews and evidence collection, investigators uncovered sham marriages coordinated by:
- Ella Zuran
- Tatiana Sigal
- Alexandra Tkach
These New York City residents accepted thousands of dollars to arrange fraudulent marriages. Furthermore, they prepared false immigration forms and fabricated health attestations to support the applications.
Baltimore-area recruiter faces indictment
Prosecutors also indicted Shawnta Hopper of Sicklerville, New Jersey. She allegedly recruited U.S. citizens in Baltimore and other cities to marry foreign nationals in exchange for money.
The conspiracy included:
- Fake marriage ceremonies
- Fraudulent USCIS forms
- False medical documentation
Additionally, officials believe the network relied on repeated deception and financial incentives to operate.
USCIS revokes immigration benefits
Due to the investigation’s findings, USCIS revoked immigration benefits for individuals who received them through fraudulent marriages. Officials anticipate additional arrests and indictments in the near future.
“Some marriages are made in heaven. Some are just made up,” said USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. “Our work with ICE crushed a marriage fraud ring where U.S. citizens were paid to marry aliens.”
More arrests expected as investigation continues
Federal agents continue to pursue additional suspects involved in the scheme. Moreover, USCIS and ICE have confirmed that the investigation remains active, and further enforcement actions are expected.
For official updates, visit uscis.gov or ice.gov.
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