11 charged in Florida for marriage fraud scheme targeting US service members | ICE:
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Homeland Security Task Force in Jacksonville announced a multijurisdictional enforcement operation targeting a Chinese transnational criminal organization for marriage fraud. The organization recruited U.S. service members to participate in fraudulent marriages and enabled Chinese nationals to obtain immigration benefits and access cards for U.S. military installations. The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida unsealed a three-count indictment charging 11 in the scheme with marriage fraud conspiracy, marriage fraud and bribery conspiracy.
“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,” said HSI Tampa acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Cochran. “Through the dedication and…