A Vietnamese national admitted Wednesday in federal court to taking part in what federal authorities have called the largest marriage visa fraud ring in Utah.

Shedding tears in court, Buu Van Troung pleaded for mercy with the court, pointing out that he was a single father and had no one to take care of his 6-year-old son if were sent to prison.

Troung was identified as one of five "ring leaders" among 24 people who were caught operating a marriage visa fraud ring between Vietnam and Utah.

After an 18-month investigation last August called "Operation Morning Glory" federal officials said they uncovered an operation in which Utah residents were recruited and paid between $50 to as much as $10,000 to marry Vietnamese citizens so they could gain citizenship. Authorities say people in Vietnam were willing to pay as much as $30,000 for the fraudulent marriages.

The group would arrange travel to Vietnam for Utahns who would take part in an "engagement ceremony" with a paying customer. The couple would then have photos taken in various changes of clothing in order to show U.S. immigration officials that they had been in a long-term romantic relationship.

Federal prosecutors say some Utahns were motivated by the money while others were lured by the humanitarian aspect of offering someone a better life.

Specifically, prosecutors alleged that Troung ran a travel agency in which he sold airline tickets to Vietnam for the operation.

Troung previously struck a plea deal with prosecutors. In exchange, the government was willing to recommend about a year in prison.

U.S. District Judge Paul Cassell said he did not believe Troung was the head of the operation and sentenced him to serve six months home confinement and a $4,000 fine.

Already one other defendant, Danh Huy Do, has been sentenced to 12 months bench probation. Three others await sentencing.

---

E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com