Federal authorities have charged 11 individuals in Florida in connection with an alleged marriage fraud scheme involving U.S. military service members and Chinese nationals seeking immigration benefits. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the operation was part of a broader transnational criminal network that orchestrated sham marriages to secure legal status and unauthorized access to U.S. military installations.
Investigators say the scheme was coordinated by a Chinese-based transnational organization that recruited American military personnel to enter into fraudulent marriages with Chinese citizens. The purpose of these arrangements was to help the foreign nationals obtain lawful immigration status and Department of Defense identification cards, which could grant access to sensitive military facilities.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Cochran stated that the case highlights the agency’s role in combating criminal enterprises that exploit U.S. immigration laws and pose potential national security risks. Officials said the investigation successfully disrupted what they described as a sophisticated, multi-state criminal operation.
Authorities reported that the fraudulent marriages occurred in several states, including Florida, New York, Connecticut, and Nevada. To create the appearance of legitimate relationships, participants allegedly staged photographs and documentation to present to immigration officials as evidence of genuine, committed marriages.
Prosecutors allege that the U.S. citizen spouses were compensated through structured payment agreements. The arrangement reportedly included an upfront cash payment for entering the marriage, a second payment once immigration benefits were secured, and a final payment after a divorce was finalized.
Between March 2024 and February 2025, five individuals were formally charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. Among them are former U.S. Navy service members Raymond Zumba, Brinio Urena, Morgan Chambers, and Jacinth Bailey, all of whom have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Additional charges involve allegations of bribery tied to efforts to obtain unauthorized military identification cards. Federal prosecutors claim that Zumba, who previously served in the Navy Reserve, attempted to bribe an individual connected to Naval Air Station Jacksonville to secure real but improperly issued identification credentials. Authorities say the plan was reported to law enforcement, leading to a controlled operation and subsequent arrests. Zumba was taken into custody after allegedly exchanging $3,500 for two identification cards, which were later recovered by investigators.
The case remains part of an ongoing federal effort to combat immigration fraud and safeguard national security.
