File this one under “things that should never happen” — but thankfully, did. Federal authorities charged eleven people in Florida after uncovering a marriage fraud operation run by a Chinese transnational criminal gang that recruited U.S. service members to marry Chinese nationals for immigration benefits and military base access. Yes, because nothing says “national security” like fake weddings and cash payments… sarcasm fully intended.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the network arranged sham marriages so Chinese citizens could obtain military ID cards and legal immigration status. The group didn’t just dabble locally either — these fraudulent marriages were carried out across multiple states, including Florida, New York, Connecticut, and Nevada. That’s what you call “organized,” and not in a good way.
To make the marriages look legitimate, the suspects staged photos of the couples to convince immigration authorities they were in real relationships. In reality, the setup was strictly transactional: the American spouse received an initial payment for the wedding, another when immigration status was approved, and a final payment after divorce. Romance, apparently, now comes with a payment schedule.
Four former U.S. Navy service members — Raymond Zumba, Brinio Urena, Morgan Chambers, and Jacinth Bailey — have already pleaded guilty to charges tied to the scheme, and their sentencing is still pending. Federal prosecutors also say Anny Chen, Hailing Feng, and Kin Man Cheok conspired to bribe a public official.
Zumba, who served in the Navy Reserve, allegedly tried to bribe an unidentified source and the source’s spouse, who worked in the personnel office at Naval Air Station Jacksonville issuing Department of War identification cards. He reportedly asked whether they would issue real but unauthorized military ID cards in exchange for under-the-table payments. The source reported the scheme to authorities and continued communicating with Zumba, helping investigators build their case.
HSI Tampa Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Cochran said the investigation highlights the vital role of Homeland Security Investigations in stopping transnational criminal organizations that exploit U.S. immigration and customs laws and threaten national security. He credited the dedication of agents and partners for dismantling a sophisticated network operating across borders.
This case is a reminder that weak systems invite strong enemies — and criminal groups will exploit every loophole they can find. Fortunately, this operation didn’t slip through unnoticed. Law enforcement did its job, the network was taken down, and America’s military infrastructure is safer because of it.
Once again, the system worked when it was enforced. And when national security is on the line, that’s exactly the ending Americans like to see.
