Executive Summary
- Federal Indictment: Four individuals face charges in the Northern District of Iowa for conspiracy and visa fraud.
- Scheme Details: The defendants allegedly exploited the Diversity Visa Lottery through sham marriages and falsified documents.
- Targeted Victims: The operation reportedly targeted nationals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, demanding large payments.
- Obstruction Charges: Prosecutors allege the group attempted to impede the investigation after learning of the grand jury inquiry.
WATERLOO, Iowa — A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Iowa has indicted four individuals on charges of orchestrating a multi-year visa and marriage fraud scheme designed to illegally bring foreign nationals into the United States. According to court records unsealed in the U.S. District Court, the defendants are accused of exploiting the Diversity Visa Lottery program to circumvent immigration laws.
The indictment names Joseph Longanga Okoko, Joseph Onolenga Okamba, Medard Lotahe Elonge, and Bienvenu Saido Binyangi as the primary defendants. Federal prosecutors allege that the group conspired to defraud the United States by arranging sham marriages and falsifying immigration documents. The scheme reportedly operated across Iowa and other states, specifically targeting nationals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to facilitate their entry into the U.S. under fraudulent pretenses.
Court filings state that the defendants charged visa lottery winners tens of thousands of dollars to finance travel and secure the fraudulent marriages necessary for permanent residency applications. Investigators noted that in several instances, the defendants allegedly coerced victims into signing repayment contracts, which demanded a significant percentage of their future earnings in the United States.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that the group submitted materially false information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These falsifications included misrepresentations of marital status and the concealment of existing spouses. Prosecutors further claim that members of the group attempted to obstruct the federal investigation after becoming aware of the grand jury inquiry.
Judicial Outlook and Procedural Context
This indictment underscores the federal commitment to protecting the integrity of the Diversity Visa Lottery program and dismantling fraudulent networks that exploit immigrant populations. If convicted, the defendants face potential prison sentences, significant fines, and immigration consequences. Court records do not yet list specific arraignment dates for the accused. It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
