Eliza Akhmetshina, Marriage Fraud, New York 2017

Albany, New York – Eliza Akhmetshina, a 29-year-old woman from Russia, was sent to a life of supervised freedom after conspiring to commit marriage fraud, a federal crime that has shaken the nation.

According to a recent indictment, Akhmetshina paid $10,000 to U.S. citizen Ian Neary in January 2012 to marry her so that she could obtain lawful immigration status in the United States. Akhmetshina, who was illegally present in the country at the time, falsely represented to U.S. officials that she and Neary lived together at an address in Albany County.

The scheme, which was uncovered by the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), led to Akhmetshina’s guilty plea on February 7, 2017. As part of her plea agreement, Akhmetshina admitted to conspiring to commit marriage fraud.

Akhmetshina’s sentence, which was handed down by Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy, includes 2 years of probation and a $1,000 fine. This sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences of participating in marriage fraud.

Akhmetshina’s case is a prime example of the lengths to which some individuals will go to obtain lawful immigration status. Her actions were a clear attempt to deceive U.S. officials and circumvent the law.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, led by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, worked closely with HSI to bring Akhmetshina to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon prosecuted the case, ensuring that Akhmetshina faced the full weight of the law.

Akhmetshina’s co-conspirator, Ian Neary, also pled guilty to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and was sentenced to 2 years of probation on August 3, 2016. Neary’s sentence served as a warning to others who might consider participating in similar schemes.

This case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and the need for vigilance in uncovering marriage fraud schemes. It also serves as a reminder that the consequences of participating in such schemes can be severe.

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