ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Cameroonian national was sentenced today for her role in a marriage fraud conspiracy dubbed ‘Operation Evasive Immigration.’
Carine Kojia Aleah Epse Mbendeke, 27, of New Carrollton, Maryland, conspired with Landry Mbendeke, who is currently serving time in federal prison for leading this marriage fraud conspiracy. The evidence presented at trial showed that beginning in December 2013, and continuing through August 2015, the Mbendekes operated a marriage fraud ring that recruited United States citizens to marry Cameroonian nationals for the promise of $5,000.
The evidence also revealed that Carine Mbendeke traveled with United States citizen co-conspirators to Cameroon on two occasions. While in Cameroon, Carine Mbendeke orchestrated their fraudulent marriages, acted as a translator, and collected immigration-related documents. The Mbendekes recruited, or attempted to recruit, approximately 18 United States citizens.
Seven of their co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty for their participation in the fraudulent scheme, including Marcus Carlye Brooks, Benjamin Franklin Minkins, Jr., Kenneth Cornelius Lewis, Alecia Angelita Portillo, Keonna Lakata Lynch, James Settles III, and Latrell Turner.
Carine Mbendeke was sentenced to one year and one day in prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Diplomatic Security Service made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina A. Cuellar and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle R. Pascucci are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:16-cr-272.
In this case, Carine Kojia Aleah Epse Mbendeke, a Cameroonian national, was convicted of conspiring to commit marriage fraud. The evidence showed that she and her co-conspirator, Landry Mbendeke, operated a marriage fraud ring that recruited U.S. citizens to marry Cameroonian nationals for a promise of $5,000.
The marriage fraud conspiracy, dubbed ‘Operation Evasive Immigration,’ was a sophisticated scheme that involved traveling to Cameroon to orchestrate fraudulent marriages and collect immigration-related documents. The Mbendekes recruited approximately 18 U.S. citizens, and seven of their co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty to participating in the scheme.
Carine Mbendeke’s sentence reflects the seriousness of her crimes. She was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, a sentence that demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our immigration system.
In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia said, ‘The sentence imposed on Carine Mbendeke is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors to combat marriage fraud and protect the integrity of our immigration system.’
Defendant: Carine Kojia Aleah Epse Mbendeke
Criminal Charges: Conspiring to Commit Marriage Fraud
City and State: Alexandria, Virginia
Date: Not specified (sentencing occurred on an unspecified date in 2023)
Sentence: One year and one day in prison
Dollar Amount: $5,000 (the promised amount for each fraudulent marriage)
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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