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US Charges 11 Over Sham Marriages Involving Chinese Nationals and Soldiers
🇨🇳 China /Conflict & Security

US Charges 11 Over Sham Marriages Involving Chinese Nationals and Soldiers

From South China Morning Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • Eleven individuals have been charged in the U.S. for allegedly operating a decade-long scheme that facilitated over 1,000 sham marriages, primarily for Chinese nationals seeking green cards.
  • The scheme reportedly included matches with at least 14 active-duty U.S. soldiers stationed at a Kentucky Army base, who were allegedly recruited by an unnamed co-conspirator.
  • Prosecutors confirmed the investigation is ongoing, though they stated the current charges do not involve espionage allegations.

U.S. prosecutors have charged 11 people in connection with an alleged decade-long operation that arranged over 1,000 sham marriages. The scheme primarily targeted Chinese nationals seeking U.S. green cards and reportedly involved at least 14 active-duty American soldiers.

According to a 21-page indictment unsealed in federal court in New York, approximately 11 soldiers stationed at a U.S. Army base in Kentucky were matched with Chinese citizens between May 2023 and August 2025. The indictment did not specify the military installation or identify the soldiers, who were allegedly recruited by an unnamed co-conspirator.

Prosecutors stated that at least six service members traveled to New York City to participate in these fraudulent weddings. An alleged facilitator and recruiter reportedly traveled from New York to Kentucky and Tennessee to arrange two other ceremonies. When asked if the case involved espionage, U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche replied, “Not as alleged. No.” He emphasized that the broader investigation continues and further developments will be announced.

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division is among the agencies involved in the case. The indictment included a staged wedding photo provided by the prosecution.

Not as alleged. No.

— Todd BlancheU.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche responded to questions about potential espionage in the sham marriage case.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by South China Morning Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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