USCIS and ICE Dismantle Nationwide Marriage Fraud Network in the U.S.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced its key collaboration in a nationwide operation that dismantled a network dedicated to marriage fraud for immigration benefits. This investigation, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Diplomatic Security Service of the State Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland, resulted in the arrest of 10 individuals, with more detentions expected in future phases.

The operation began in April 2022, when the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force/El Dorado of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Maryland, with support from USCIS, launched an investigation based on suspicions of sham marriages. Authorities identified an organized pattern in which U.S. citizens entered into fraudulent marriages with foreign nationals in exchange for financial compensation, facilitated by intermediaries.

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Among the main defendants are Ella Zuran, Tatiana Sigal, and Alexandra Tkach, residents of New York, who received thousands of dollars to coordinate these fake unions, create fraudulent forms, and submit misleading health statements in immigration proceedings. In addition, Shawnta Hopper of New Jersey was formally charged with recruiting citizens to participate in these marriages in exchange for financial benefits.

As part of the investigation, USCIS revoked immigration benefits previously granted to those involved. According to USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser: “Some marriages are a dream. Others are simply an invention. Our work with ICE dismantled a network where U.S. citizens were paid to marry foreign nationals. Buying a spouse doesn’t make you a citizen.”

This operation demonstrates the federal authorities’ commitment to protecting the integrity of the immigration system and ensuring that benefits are granted only to those who comply with the law. Investigations are ongoing, and further actions against additional suspects are anticipated.

From: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-assists-with-ice-investigation-that-dismantled-a-nationwide-marriage-fraud-operation 

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