ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Two Cameroonian nationals were convicted today for their roles in a marriage fraud conspiracy dubbed “Operation Evasive Immigration," by the organizers of the conspiracy.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Carine Kojia Aleah Epse Mbendeke, 27, of New Carrollton, Maryland, and Irene Marie Mbono, 35, of Washington, D.C., conspired with Landry Mbendeke, who is currently serving time in federal prison for leading this marriage fraud conspiracy. The evidence presented at trial showed that beginning in December 2013, and continuing through August 2015, the Mbendekes operated a marriage fraud ring that recruited United States citizens to marry Cameroonian nationals for the promise of $5,000. Carine Mbendeke traveled with United States citizen co-conspirators to Cameroon on two occasions. While in Cameroon, Carine Mbendeke orchestrated their fraudulent marriages, acted as a translator, and collected immigration-related documents. One conspirator, who was denied a United States passport and thus could not travel to Cameroon, entered into a sham marriage with Mbono in Washington, D.C.
The Mbendekes recruited, or attempted to recruit, approximately 18 United States citizens. Six of their co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty for their participation in the fraudulent scheme. Those defendants included Marcus Carlye Brooks, Benjamin Franklin Minkins, Jr., Kenneth Cornelius Lewis, Alecia Angelita Portillo, Keonna Lakata Lynch, and James Settles III.
Mbono faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and Carine Mbendeke faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Both defendants will be sentenced on July 14. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Richard Ingram, Special Agent in Charge of Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of State’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the verdict for Carine Mbendeke and delivered the verdict for Irene Mbono. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina A. Cuellar and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle R. Pascucci are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:16-cr-272.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
