"Marriage fraud is not a victimless crime — it compromises the integrity of our immigration system, diverts critical resources, and erodes public trust in a process that countless individuals follow legally and in good faith," said Michael McCarthy, ICE HSI Maryland special agent in charge.
Federal authorities allege that Zuran, Sigal, and Tkach were paid thousands of dollars to facilitate introductions to U.S. citizens and coordinating the sham weddings. Further, they are accused of arranging for the preparation of false immigration forms, including fake health status attestations, in connection with applications for immigration benefits.
Hopper is accused of recruiting women in Baltimore and other locations to enter the sham marriages.
The accused have had their immigration benefits revoked.