Chinese Gang Recruited Navy Members for Sham Marriages and Base Access

Eleven people charged in elaborate marriage fraud scheme targeting military members to help Chinese nationals gain immigration benefits and base access.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Eleven people have been charged in Florida in connection with a marriage fraud scheme that involved the recruitment of U.S. military service members to marry Chinese citizens. The scheme was orchestrated by a Chinese transnational gang that recruited military members to participate in fraudulent marriages so that Chinese citizens could obtain immigration benefits and access cards for U.S. military installations.

Why it matters

This case highlights the threat posed by transnational criminal organizations that seek to exploit U.S. immigration laws and compromise national security by gaining unauthorized access to military bases. It also raises concerns about the integrity of the military and the need for robust screening and security measures to prevent such schemes.

The details

The sham marriages took place around the country, including in Jacksonville, Florida, as well as in New York, Connecticut and Nevada. To bolster claims that the marriages were genuine, the suspects took photographs of the couples to create evidence that could be presented to immigration authorities. In reality, the suspects had agreed to a payment plan whereby the U.S. citizen spouse would receive a cash payment up front for marrying the Chinese national, a second payment when legal immigration status was obtained, and a final payment after the divorce.

  • Between March 2024 and February 2025, the marriage fraud conspiracy took place.
  • On February 13, 2025, Raymond Zumba, a former Navy Reserve member, arrived in Jacksonville with Anny Chen, Hailing Feng and Kin Man Cheok to obtain unauthorized military ID cards.
  • The following day, Zumba met with an informant who provided him with two ID cards in exchange for $3,500, and Zumba was promptly arrested.

The players

Raymond Zumba

A former U.S. Navy Reserve service member who pleaded guilty to charges related to the marriage fraud scheme.

Brinio Urena

A former U.S. Navy service member who pleaded guilty to charges related to the marriage fraud scheme.

Morgan Chambers

A former U.S. Navy service member who pleaded guilty to charges related to the marriage fraud scheme.

Jacinth Bailey

A former U.S. Navy service member who pleaded guilty to charges related to the marriage fraud scheme.

Anny Chen

One of the Chinese nationals who conspired with Zumba to bribe a public official to obtain unauthorized military ID cards.

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What they’re saying

“This investigation underscores the critical role that HSI (Homeland Security Investigations) 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 (ICE)

What’s next

The judge will decide on the sentences for the former Navy service members who pleaded guilty to charges related to the marriage fraud scheme.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for robust security measures and screening processes to prevent transnational criminal organizations from exploiting U.S. immigration laws and gaining unauthorized access to military installations, which poses a significant threat to national security.