Soldiers Accused in Marriage Scam for Benefits

Two soldiers and three women face up to five years in federal prison when sentenced for their roles in a scam that allowed Russian women to get U.S. citizenship and enlisted men to received off post housing and an extra living allowance. The scam was rather simple, a soldier would marry a Russian immigrant, who then returned to New York City after the nuptials to file immigration papers. The soldier would tell the Army he was married and file for permission to move off post as well as for an extra living allowance for his dependent. According to the government, the false marriages cost the Army at least $200,000 in unauthorized benefits. See the following News Story for the complete details of the scam.