CHICAGO — In a stunning reversal of fortune, Chicago’s Zhao Tai Cui has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for orchestrating a massive immigration fraud scheme that ensnared at least 250 F-1 visa holders.
Cui, a 60-year-old Chicagoan, admitted to charging foreign nationals exorbitant fees to falsely claim employment with his sham company, allowing them to extend their stay in the United States. His fraudulent enterprise began in 2013 and persisted until 2019, according to authorities.
The fraudulent scheme was nothing short of diabolical, as Cui set up a phony business in Illinois with the sole intent of serving as a front for his deceitful operations. He advertised his services on various websites, preying on unsuspecting visa holders who sought legitimate employment opportunities.
Today’s sentence, imposed by U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman, comes after Cui pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. In addition to the prison term, Cui was ordered to pay a staggering $652,963 in restitution to the victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin Walgamuth argued that Cui’s scheme eroded public faith in the immigration system, describing it as an expansive and multi-layered deception. “Cui’s actions were not only illegal but also morally reprehensible,” Walgamuth said during the sentencing hearing.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Cui’s conviction sends a stark reminder that immigration fraud will not be tolerated in this country.
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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