29-04-2025
ICE Thwarts Major Nationwide Marriage Fraud Operation
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Federal immigration authorities have dismantled a large-scale, nationwide marriage fraud scheme, charging four individuals involved in orchestrating sham marriages to gain immigration benefits.
The Context
Four individuals have been indicted following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which uncovered a network involving fraudulent marriages and visa applications. Ella Zuran, 65; Tatiana Sigal, 74; and Alexandra Tkach, 41, all of New York City, along with Shawnta Hopper, 33, of New Jersey, have been charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud.
What To Know
With support from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and the U.S. Attorney's Office for Maryland, the investigation led to the administrative arrest of 10 individuals on April 24. As a result of the operation, immigration benefits previously granted to those involved have been revoked.
"Marriage fraud is not a victimless crime — it compromises the integrity of our immigration system, diverts critical resources, and erodes public trust in a process that countless individuals follow legally and in good faith," said ICE HSI Maryland Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer listens during a briefing on January 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Maryland.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer listens during a briefing on January 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Alex Brandon/AP
The investigation was launched in April 2022 under the Document and Benefit Fraud/El Dorado Task Force. U.S. citizen petitioners admitted during interviews that they were paid to marry foreign nationals in exchange for immigration benefits, according to an ICE press release.
Zuran, Sigal, and Tkach were arrested by HSI Maryland in March 2025. The three individuals are accused of orchestrating sham weddings, connecting foreign nationals with U.S. citizens, and falsifying immigration documents, including fake health attestations. The suspects allegedly received thousands of dollars for arranging these fraudulent marriages.
Hopper, who has also been charged, is accused of recruiting women from Baltimore and the surrounding areas to marry foreign nationals for payment. She allegedly received compensation for her involvement in persuading U.S. citizens to participate in the scheme.
Sham marriages, also known as fraudulent marriages, involve U.S. citizens marrying foreign nationals solely for the purpose of securing immigration benefits, such as permanent residency."
What People Are Saying
U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes said: "The defendants' greed led them to concoct an illegal-marriage scheme that compromises the integrity of our immigration system."
"This indictment sends a clear message: the U.S. Attorney's Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue and hold accountable those who try to exploit our immigration system through fraud and deception."
ICE HSI Maryland Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy said: "These arrests mark a critical milestone in our broader effort to dismantle a criminal network that has sought to undermine our nations immigration laws. HSI remains committed to safeguarding the lawful immigration process and holding accountable those who seek to exploit it."
USCIS Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said: "Some marriages are made in heaven. Some are just made up."
"Our work with ICE crushed a marriage fraud ring where U.S. citizens were paid to marry aliens. Under Secretary Noem, fraudsters are walking out in handcuffs. Buying a spouse doesn't make you a citizen."
Diplomatic Security Service Washington Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Richeson said: "The Diplomatic Security Service is a key partner in the United States' work to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system."
"DSS proudly coordinates with our U.S. and international law enforcement partners to investigate transnational crimes and apprehend fugitives who commit fraud and violate U.S. law."
What Happens Next
Trial dates have not been scheduled yet. If convicted, the defendants could face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
