Eleven Charged in Alleged Sham Marriage Scheme Involving U.S. Navy Service Members

Federal prosecutors say the scheme paid Navy members to enter fraudulent marriages with Chinese nationals to obtain immigration benefits.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have charged 11 people in an alleged scheme that paid U.S. Navy service members to enter fraudulent marriages with Chinese nationals in order to help the Chinese nationals secure green cards and lawful permanent resident status. The indictment alleges the sham marriages took place across multiple states, including Nevada, Florida, Connecticut, and New York, with several ceremonies occurring in Las Vegas, Jacksonville, and Brooklyn.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about immigration fraud and national security risks, as prosecutors allege the defendants specifically targeted U.S. citizens who were members of the armed forces and that they attempted to gain access to military facilities through the fraudulent marriages.

The details

According to the indictment, the defendants staged photographs depicting the couples in 'loving, committed relationships' to present to immigration authorities. U.S. citizens were allegedly paid after the marriages, with additional payments following the approval of immigration benefits and again after divorces were finalized. Prosecutors identified Anny Chen, 54, of New York, as the organizer of the scheme, and six of the defendants as Chinese nationals who allegedly married Americans to obtain permanent legal status.

  • In March 2024, Chen and another conspirator allegedly recruited Raymond Zumba of Staten Island to marry Xie.
  • In August 2024, Zumba allegedly recruited Brinio Urena, who married Wang in exchange for payment.
  • In October 2024, Chen allegedly paid $10,000 to Morgan Chambers to marry Chen Jiawei.
  • In November 2024, Deng Yafeng allegedly married a Chinese national identified as 'Conspirator-C' in New York.
  • In January 2025, Cheok Kin Man and Jaden Bullion were married in New York, and prosecutors allege Bullion received a cash payment.

The players

Anny Chen

A 54-year-old New York resident who prosecutors allege was the organizer of the scheme.

Raymond Zumba

A former Navy service member from Staten Island who pleaded guilty to charges related to the scheme.

Brinio Urena

A former Navy service member who pleaded guilty to charges related to the scheme.

Morgan Chambers

A former Navy service member who pleaded guilty to charges related to the scheme.

Jacinth Bailey

A former Navy service member who pleaded guilty to charges related to the scheme.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about immigration fraud and national security risks, as prosecutors allege the defendants specifically targeted U.S. citizens who were members of the armed forces and attempted to gain access to military facilities through the fraudulent marriages.