Mucahid Calisir, Marriage Fraud Scheme, Baltimore MD, 2015 · Maryland
Eijroghene Okuma, $10M Investment Fraud, Atlanta GA, 2023 · Puerto Rico
Ruben Alonso Hernandez-Lainez, Second-Degree Rape and Second-Degree Assault, Maryland 2023 · Texas
Unidentified Banker Charged with $5M Fraud Scheme, USA, 2023 · Alabama
McKenzie Marie Earley, $10M Wire Fraud, C.D. California, 2023 · Louisiana

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Local Pastor’s Descent into Deceit: Joshua Shonubi Sentenced for Visa and Marriage Fraud
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Local Pastor’s Descent into Deceit: Joshua Shonubi Sentenced for Visa and Marriage Fraud

Baltimore, Maryland – In a shocking case of deceit and betrayal of trust, Joshua Shonubi, a 59-year-old pastor from Bowie, Maryland, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for his involvement in a massive visa and marriage fraud scheme.

According to court documents, Shonubi used his position as a pastor at New Life City Church to recruit church members who were U.S. citizens to marry foreign nationals for financial compensation. The defendant accepted payment from the foreign nationals for facilitating these marriages and even created false documentation to support the fraudulent marriages.

Between June 2008 and June 2021, Shonubi facilitated over 60 fraudulent marriages and submitted well over 100 fraudulent documents in support of his scheme. The defendant’s actions have left a trail of devastation, with many unsuspecting U.S. citizens unknowingly participating in the fraud.

Shonubi’s crimes were uncovered through a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The defendant’s guilty plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman, who handed down the 18-month sentence.

United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the HSI and USCIS for their work in the investigation, saying, ‘Their dedication to uncovering and dismantling complex schemes like this one is a testament to their commitment to upholding the law and protecting our communities.’

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn prosecuted the federal case against Shonubi. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.