Makhan Singh Pleads Guilty to Marriage Visa Fraud Scheme
February 5, 2020 - Monroeville, PA resident Makhan Singh (53) pleaded guilty February 3, 2020 to one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud.
Makhan Singh was previously indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of marriage visa fraud scheme along with his brother Rajinder Singh (43) of Pittsburgh, PA.
According to the statements made in court:
...from in and around 2011 through in and around October of 2018, Makhan Singh conspired with his brother Rajinder Singh, and United States citizen Dawn Haroulakis, to knowingly facilitate or enter into a marriage for the purpose of evading the immigration laws.
... Makhan Singh offered to pay Ms. Haroulakis if she would marry his brother, Rajinder Singh, so that Rajinder, a native and citizen of India, could obtain legal permanent residency in the United States. Ms. Haroulakis agreed to the sham marriage, and Makhan Singh then made payments of more than $15,000 to Ms. Haroulakis in exchange for her marriage to Rajinder Singh..
Potential Penalty & Sentencing
On the count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, Makhan Singh faces a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Sentencing of Monroeville, PA Indian Makhan Singh is scheduled for August 6, 2020.
Makhan Singh remains on bond pending his sentencing.