Eleven Charged in Florida Over Sham Marriage Scheme Targeting U.S. Navy Members
TAMPA, Fla. — Eleven individuals were charged in connection with a sophisticated marriage fraud scheme that exploited U.S. Navy service members to help Chinese nationals obtain immigration benefits and unauthorized access to military installations. The operation, uncovered by federal authorities, involved a transnational criminal network that orchestrated sham marriages between Chinese citizens and U.S. military personnel, according to officials from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The scheme reportedly enabled Chinese nationals to acquire military identification cards and gain proximity to sensitive military bases, raising significant national security concerns. Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Cochran of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Tampa emphasized the critical role of federal agents in dismantling the network. “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,” Cochran said.
The alleged operation involved recruiting active-duty Navy members stationed in Florida and elsewhere to enter into fraudulent marriages, which provided a pathway for Chinese nationals to secure immigration benefits under false pretenses. The scheme’s exposure comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign influence and espionage risks within U.S. military ranks.
Federal agents conducted a thorough investigation that spanned multiple jurisdictions, ultimately leading to the indictment of those involved. The charges include conspiracy to commit immigration fraud and related offenses. The case highlights vulnerabilities in military personnel screening and the challenges faced by agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security in safeguarding critical defense infrastructure.
Experts have noted that such schemes not only undermine immigration laws but also pose a direct threat to national security by potentially granting adversaries access to classified or restricted military environments. A former CIA operative, commenting on the case, described it as a “major concern” for the U.S. Navy and broader defense community.
The investigation is part of a broader effort by federal agencies to combat transnational criminal organizations that exploit immigration systems. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations continue to collaborate closely to identify and disrupt such networks.
This case also underscores the importance of vigilance within military ranks and the need for ongoing education and monitoring to prevent exploitation. The Department of Defense has protocols in place to verify the legitimacy of marriages involving service members, but this incident reveals gaps that criminal groups may attempt to exploit.
Authorities urge military personnel and the public to report any suspicious activities related to sham marriages or unauthorized access attempts to military facilities. The ongoing investigation aims to prevent further exploitation and ensure the integrity of U.S. military operations.
For more information on immigration fraud and national security efforts, visit the ICE Immigration Fraud page and the Department of Homeland Security Counterterrorism resources.
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