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http://www.ice.gov/pi/news/newsreleases/articles/060519lasvegas.htm
May 19, 2006
Three Las Vegas residents charged with marriage fraud
LAS VEGAS -- Three Las Vegas area residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their involvement in a marriage fraud scheme following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Moustapha Moustapha, 35, his former wife Ghada Aly, 32, and Beverly May Senior, 47, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and make false statements. In addition, Moustapha and Senior are also charged with one count of marriage fraud, one count of making a false application, and two counts of making false statements and representation. ICE agents arrested the three defendants earlier this week.
According to the indictment, in August 2001, Moustapha lawfully entered the United States from Egypt on a non-immigrant student visa to study chemistry. Records show his wife legally entered the United States in August the following year based on her marriage to Moustapha.
ICE investigators say the couple’s long-term goal was to obtain Moustapha permanent legal status in the United States, so he could petition for Aly to remain in the country as well. With that in mind, Moustapha and Aly divorced in Clark County last year. Soon afterwards, Moustapha and Aly, through a third party, approached Senior, who is a legal permanent resident of the United States, to see if she would marry Moustapha. In July 2005, Moustapha and Senior entered into a sham marriage in Clark County, Nevada.
Two months later, Moustapha and Senior filed immigration forms stating that they had married, knowing that they did not intend to establish a life together as husband and wife. In February 2006, Moustapha and Senior were interviewed by an officer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. During the interview, the pair presented additional information and photographs seeking to establish the validity of their sham marriage.
"Persons who make false statements in immigration forms and to federal authorities risk investigation and prosecution," said U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden. "Although it is clear that many persons do so for economic or social reasons, rather than to commit violent acts, this sort of conduct violates federal law and will not be tolerated."
"Visa fraud undermines the integrity of our nation’s legal immigration system," said Tom Kalmes, acting resident agent in charge of ICE's office of investigations in Las Vegas. "These indictments should send a clear message that if you commit marriage fraud, there won't be a honeymoon. ICE is working aggressively to ensure that this kind of criminal activity does not go unchecked or unpunished."
All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Senior was released on a personal recognizance bond; Moustapha and Aly were detained pending trial based on a risk of flight.
If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the conspiracy charge. Moustapha and Senior also face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the marriage fraud and false statement counts, and up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the false application count.
-- ICE --