Marriage Fraud Scheme Exposed in Houston
A total of six Houston residents have been charged in connection with a marriage fraud scheme involving Nigerian nationals, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Houston.
The indictment, returned under seal February 26, 2015, and unsealed today, alleges that the defendants conspired together in connection with a marriage fraud ring involving arranged "sham" marriages between recruited U.S. citizens and Nigerian nationals.
"Becoming an American citizen is an honor and a privilege," said Moskowitz. "Obtaining citizenship through fraud is an affront to every person who has played by the rules and it threatens the integrity of our legal immigration system."
The indictment alleges that conspirators would pay U.S. citizens for entering into fraudulent marriages to Nigerian nationals who had originally entered the country on tourist visas. The conspirators would then complete immigration documents and submit them to Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) to obtain legal permanent resident status, according to the indictment.
The indictment charges all six with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. Anisha Nicole Gable is also charged with four counts of aiding and abetting marriage fraud, while Shakietha Ann Joseph and Trevor Ray Frenney are each charged with two counts of the same allegation. Nathan Michael and Hauwa Bello were also indicted on one count of committing marriage fraud.
If convicted on any of the counts as charged, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
The charges are the result of an investigation by HSI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, Office of Fraud Detection, CIS and the Department of Agriculture – Office of the Inspector General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Bennett and Mark Evans are prosecuting the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Shannon Tecoko Mays, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Texas, 2012 · Texas
- Juan A. Tony Marrero, Medicare Fraud Scheme, Miami FL, 2023 · Texas
- John McClure, Contractor Fraud Scheme, NY, 2023 · Texas
- Emiel A. Kandi, Mortgage Fraud Scheme, WA, 2023 · Mississippi
- Jose Antonio Caballero, Mortgage Fraud Scheme, Sherman TX, 2023 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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