ICE operation leads to indictment of 4 charged with conspiracy to commit visa and marriage fraud

BALTIMORE — An investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Maryland; along with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Department of State Diplomatic Security Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office ​for Maryland, led to federal charges for four individuals — Ella Zuran, 65, Tatiana Sigal, 74, and Alexandra Tkach, 41, of New York City, New York; along with Shawnta Hopper, 33, of Sicklerville, New Jersey — for facilitating visa and marriage fraud.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations HSI Maryland and USCIS with assistance from the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service administratively arrested 10 individuals April 24. Individuals involved have had their immigration benefits revoked as part of this investigation.

“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,” said ICE HSI Maryland Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. “These arrests mark a critical milestone in our broader effort to dismantle a criminal network that has sought to undermine our nations immigration laws. HSI remains committed to safeguarding the lawful immigration process and holding accountable those who seek to exploit it.”

“The defendants’ greed led them to concoct an illegal-marriage scheme that compromises the integrity of our immigration system,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes. “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.”

In April 2022, HSI Maryland’s Document and Benefit Fraud/El Dorado Task Force with assistance from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Fraud Detection and National Security began investigating individuals suspected of entering sham marriages with foreign nationals in order to obtain immigration benefits. As of result of interviews with FDNS officers, U.S. citizen petitioners admitted to their participation in the fraud scheme and to receiving financial compensation.

“Some marriages are made in heaven. Some are just made up,” said USCIS Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. “Our work with ICE crushed a marriage fraud ring where U.S. citizens were paid to marry aliens. Under Secretary Noem, fraudsters are walking out in handcuffs. Buying a spouse doesn’t make you a citizen.”

In March 2025, HSI Maryland successfully charged and arrested Zuran, Sigal and Tkach who orchestrated fraudulent marriage schemes to help foreign nationals obtain permanent residence in the United States. The individuals were paid thousands of dollars for facilitating introductions to U.S. citizens and coordinating sham weddings. In addition, they arranged for the preparation of false immigration forms, including fake health status attestations, in connection with applications for immigration benefits.

In addition to these individuals, HSI Maryland arrested Shawnta Hopper. Hopper encouraged several U.S. citizens to participate in fraudulent marriages with foreign nationals for financial gain. She received compensation for recruiting women in Baltimore and other locations to enter into these sham marriages.

If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in federal prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

“The Diplomatic Security Service is s key partner in the United States’ work to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system,” said Diplomatic Security Service Washington Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Richeson. “DSS proudly coordinates with our U.S. and international law enforcement partners to investigate transnational crimes and apprehend fugitives who commit fraud and violate U.S. law.”

McCarthy, with HSI – Maryland, announced the indictment with Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and Field Office Director Elizabeth Grant, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – Baltimore Field Office.

HSI conducts federal criminal investigations into the illegal movement of people, goods, money, contraband, weapons and sensitive technology into, out of and through the United States. HSI’s investigations are wide ranging – our cases include drug and weapons smuggling, cyber and financial crime, illegal technology exports and intellectual property crime. HSI also plays a crucial role in investigating crimes of exploitation. This includes combating child exploitation, human trafficking, financial fraud and scams and other crimes against vulnerable populations.

Members of the public with information about criminal activity in your community are encouraged to contact the Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE.

Learn more about HSI Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X at @HSIBaltimore.