Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Organized crime

California.

I have a very big problem. And any advice on how to handle this dilemma would be greatly appreciated.

I have befriended a person at work and he introduced me to his family and friends.They seem like very nice people, but the business that they are all into is very very dishonest.

What they do is they recruit men and women that are U.S. citizens to marry foreiners so that they can become citizens themselves. They have asked me to recruit people for them and I would be payed a nice sum of money. All of this sounds very tempting yet my consceince wont allow me to do so.

This organization is very big. From coast to coast, and I'm amazed that our own government is permitting/ignoring this to happen. Its right out in the open.The risk factor is very minimal and the payoff is very good.

I know its not right . I want to turn them into the proper authorities. But who are the right authorities? And whos to say that this wont come back and bite me, if our government still does nothing. I put myself out on the line for nothing??

What are the possible punishment for all who is involved. Like my friend, and his family. One person at work has been married through this organization.


Asked on 8/19/04, 6:41 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Armen Tashjian Law Offices of Armen M. Tashjian

Re: Organized crime

If you decide to report the crime, which you should, don't forget to check out federal whistleblower statute, which might provide certain rewards for you.

Good luck.

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Answered on 8/22/04, 11:46 pm
Christopher M. Brainard, Esq. C. M. Brainard & Associates - (310) 266-4115

Re: Organized crime

Report them to the police and then to Homeland security as well as Bureau of Citizen and Immigration Services. That is very illegal and should be stopped.

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Answered on 8/19/04, 7:14 pm
Antonio Maldonado Maldonado Myers LLP

Re: Organized crime

The crimes you mention this organization is engaging in are serious federal crimes.

The proper authority to report this ring of sham marriage brokers is the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

Every person involved, including those that have contracted marriage for the immigration benefits derived therefrom can be convicted of the following federal crimes:

a. Visa fraud. 18 U.S.C. �1546.

b. False statement. 18 U.S.C. �1001

c. Conspiracy. 18 U.S.C. �371

d. Marriage fraud. 8 U.S.C. �1325(c).

It is also possible for them to be convicted for other crimes under RICO and other federal laws.

You can provide the Federal Bureau of Investigations with your information about this criminal organization. You can contact your local FBI office. The FBI website provides a directory of all of its offices on the internet http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm

Additionally, you can contact the FBI's headquarters at 202-324-3000 or file your tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov/

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Answered on 8/19/04, 10:18 pm
Antonio Maldonado Maldonado Myers LLP

Re: Organized crime

I also want to add that the federal crime reporting statute (18 U.S.C. �4) requires anyone knowing of a federal crime to promptly report it to a federal court (or other federal officer), and requires federal judges to receive that information and any evidence, as part of his administrative duties. The statute follows:

Title 18 U.S.C. � 4. Misprision of felony. Whoever, having knowledge of the actual commission of a felony cognizable by a court of the United States, conceals and does not as soon as possible make known the same to some judge or other person in civil or military authority under the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

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Answered on 8/19/04, 11:23 pm


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