22.10.2026 22:40
A million-dollar sham marriage network, alleged to have targeted immigrants dreaming of a Green Card in the US, came to light with a federal investigation. The organization uncovered in Massachusetts was alleged to have married immigrants to US citizens for money and to have earned more than $6 million over more than 10 years through this method. As part of the investigation, federal charges were filed against six people.
In the U.S. state of Massachusetts, six people have been charged in a federal investigation into a network alleged to have organized sham marriages for immigrants in exchange for money so they could obtain Green Cards. Authorities said the organization, which is said to have operated for more than 10 years, charged $38,000 to $40,000 per marriage and is estimated to have earned more than $6 million in total.
ALLEGEDLY RECEIVED $40,000 PER MARRIAGE
According to a statement by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts on October 21, 2026, 43-year-old Jennifer Gonzalez is accused of arranging sham marriages to bring U.S. citizens and immigrants together for the purpose of obtaining immigration status. The prosecutor's office says the organization arranged an average of 18 to 20 marriages per year and that these activities continued for at least 10 years.
PHOTOS AND JOINT ACCOUNTS TO MAKE THEM LOOK LIKE REAL MARRIAGES
According to allegations in the investigation file, couples took photos together, opened joint bank accounts, and took out life insurance policies to make the sham marriages appear real. Various documents were prepared for submission to immigration authorities; clients were asked to sign contracts stating they would pay for the service.
ALLEGEDLY INVESTED THE MONEY SHE MADE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The prosecutor's office alleged that Gonzalez invested money obtained from the scheme in land and businesses in the Dominican Republic. It was also alleged that during the period she earned income from the organization, she received more than $120,000 in assistance from a food assistance program in Massachusetts and did not report her income on her applications.
FIVE PEOPLE DETAINED
As part of the investigation, federal charges were filed against Jennifer Gonzalez along with Erica Daniels, Chreise Alejandro, Amara Pugh, Jessica Tavares, and Jaylin Hill. The suspects are charged with illegally harboring immigrants, conspiracy to do so, and marriage fraud. Five people were detained on October 21, while it was announced that the sixth suspect was in prison due to a sentence received for another crime.
Federal authorities reported that the investigation is ongoing and that other people determined to have obtained immigration status through sham marriages may also be examined. The allegations against the suspects will be evaluated during the judicial process.