An investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Maryland has resulted in federal charges for four individuals accused of orchestrating a scheme to commit visa and marriage fraud. The accused are Ella Zuran, 65, Tatiana Sigal, 74, and Alexandra Tkach, 41, from New York City, New York, alongside Shawnta Hopper, 33, from Sicklerville, New Jersey. These individuals allegedly facilitated fraudulent marriages and visa applications in exchange for financial compensation.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Maryland, in collaboration with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Maryland, carried out the operation. Ten individuals were arrested on April 24 as part of this investigation, and their immigration benefits were subsequently revoked.
"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," stated ICE HSI Maryland Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the lawful immigration process and ensuring accountability for those who attempt to exploit it.
U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes remarked, "The defendants’ greed led them to concoct an illegal-marriage scheme that compromises the integrity of our immigration system." Hayes added, "This indictment sends a clear message: the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue and hold accountable those who try to exploit our immigration system through fraud and deception."
The investigation, which began in April 2022, involved probing into sham marriages structured to enable foreign nationals to receive immigration benefits. It was uncovered through interviews that U.S. citizen petitioners participated in such schemes for financial gain.
"Some marriages are made in heaven. Some are just made up," said USCIS Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. He noted, "Our work with ICE in this investigation dismantled a major marriage fraud ring where U.S. citizens were paid to marry illegal aliens. These criminals are now behind bars, reaffirming President Trump and Secretary Noem’s commitment to restoring integrity in our immigration system."
In March 2025, federal charges were filed against Zuran, Sigal, and Tkach for facilitating the fraudulent marriages. These individuals, along with Shawnta Hopper, are alleged to have received compensation for recruiting participants and coordinating these illicit activities.
If convicted, the defendants could face up to five years in federal prison, although actual sentences are likely to be less and decided by a federal district court judge based on various guidelines and statutory factors.
David Richeson, Diplomatic Security Service Washington Field Office Special Agent in Charge, stated, "The Diplomatic Security Service is a key partner in the United States’ work to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system." He emphasized DSS’s role in collaborating with law enforcement to investigate transnational crimes.
HSI Maryland, alongside the U.S. Attorney's Office and USCIS, continues to conduct investigations into various federal crimes, including those that exploit the immigration process. The public is encouraged to report any information about criminal activities through the dedicated Tip Line.
