US prosecutors have charged 11 individuals in connection with an alleged decade-long network that arranged more than 1,000 sham marriages, primarily involving Chinese nationals seeking green cards. The scheme included matches with at least 14 active-duty American soldiers.

According to a 21-page indictment unsealed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in federal court in New York, about 11 of the soldiers were stationed at a US Army base in Kentucky and were paired with Chinese citizens between May 2023 and August 2025. The indictment did not disclose the specific military base or the identities of the soldiers, who were reportedly recruited by an unnamed co-conspirator.

Prosecutors stated that at least six service members traveled to New York City to participate in sham weddings. Additionally, an alleged facilitator and recruiter traveled from New York to Kentucky and Tennessee to arrange two other sham marriages.

When asked at a press conference whether the case involved espionage allegations, US Attorney General Todd Blanche responded, “Not as alleged.” He emphasized that the broader investigation is ongoing and that any further developments would be announced.

The US Army Criminal Investigation Division is among the agencies investigating the case.

Sources