BALTIMORE – A multi-agency investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Maryland has resulted in the dismantling of a large-scale marriage fraud operation. Ten individuals were arrested, and four others were indicted for allegedly arranging sham marriages to evade immigration laws.
The investigation, supported by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), uncovered a scheme in which U.S. citizens were paid to marry foreign nationals, allowing the beneficiaries to fraudulently obtain immigration status. Authorities administratively arrested 10 suspects linked to the operation.
Fraudulent Matches for Profit
The probe began in April 2022 when ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and USCIS identified suspicious petitions. Investigators determined that New York City residents Ella Zuran, Tatiana Sigal, and Alexandra Tkach orchestrated the fraudulent marriages, charging thousands of dollars to arrange the unions, falsify immigration documents, and even fabricate health records for applicants.
A fourth suspect, Shawnta Hopper of Sicklerville, New Jersey, was also indicted for recruiting U.S. citizens—particularly women in Baltimore—to enter into fake marriages in exchange for payment.
“Some Marriages Are Just Made Up”
USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser condemned the scheme, stating, “Some marriages are made in heaven. Some are just made up. Our work with ICE crushed a marriage fraud ring where U.S. citizens were paid to marry aliens. Under Secretary [Alejandro] Mayorkas, fraudsters are walking out in handcuffs. Buying a spouse doesn’t make you a citizen.”
As a result of the investigation, immigration benefits obtained through fraudulent marriages have been revoked. The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat systemic abuse of the legal immigration system.
Next Steps: The indicted individuals face charges including conspiracy, visa fraud, and false statements in immigration filings. Prosecutors emphasize that marriage fraud carries severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Related topics:
- How Long Does an Immigrant Visa Interview Take?
- Who Should You Contact for Help with Immigration Issues?
- 8 Visa-Free Countries for Vietnamese Citizens
