11 Charged in Alleged Marriage Fraud Scheme Involving Chinese Nationals and US Navy Sailors

Prosecutors say the scheme aimed to help Chinese nationals obtain green cards through sham marriages.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have charged 11 people, including 6 Chinese nationals, in an alleged scheme that paid U.S. Navy service members to enter into fraudulent marriages with Chinese citizens in order to help the Chinese nationals obtain lawful permanent resident status in the United States.

Why it matters

Marriage fraud is a serious crime that undermines the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to crack down on such schemes, which can involve foreign nationals exploiting vulnerabilities in the system.

The details

According to the indictment, the defendants allegedly recruited U.S. Navy sailors to enter into sham marriages with Chinese nationals in exchange for payments ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. The Chinese nationals would then use the fraudulent marriages to apply for and obtain green cards, granting them lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.

  • The indictment was unsealed on February 4, 2026.

The players

Gregory W. Kehoe

U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, who announced the charges against the 11 defendants.

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What’s next

Prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the U.S. immigration system and the efforts by authorities to combat marriage fraud schemes that exploit vulnerabilities in the process.