Immigration Fraud charges are at the center of a federal case in St. Louis involving two Chinese nationals accused of making false statements during immigration-related proceedings and committing firearm offenses.
Biqi “Ashley” Huang, 25, and Wentian Du, 35, were indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2026, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri. They turned themselves in on September 17 and appeared in federal court, where both pleaded not guilty. The Immigration Fraud allegations remain unproven.
The case involves alleged conduct connected to naturalization, lawful permanent residence, firearm purchases and firearm possession. USCIS assisted the Immigration Fraud investigation, which was led by the FBI with support from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
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What the Immigration Fraud indictment alleges
Huang faces one count of making a false statement in a naturalization proceeding and one count of fraudulently acquiring a firearm. Du faces one count of being an alien in possession of a firearm. The related charge against Huang concerns the alleged statement made during a naturalization proceeding.
The indictment alleges that Huang made a false statement under oath in a matter relating to naturalization between August 1, 2025, and July 27, 2026. Prosecutors also accuse her of making a false statement to a firearms dealer on May 28, 2026, when a firearm was purchased. Those allegations are part of the government’s Immigration Fraud theory.
Du is accused of unlawfully possessing a firearm between June 1 and August 26, 2026. Court documents cited by prosecutors also describe an earlier attempted firearm purchase, repeated firearm rentals and the purchase of a 9mm pistol using a credit card associated with the investigation.
Huang allegedly completed paperwork stating that she was the actual buyer of the firearm. Federal prosecutors characterize that conduct as a fraudulent acquisition charge. The allegations and firearm allegations have not been tested at trial.
How the Immigration Fraud allegations developed
According to court documents, Huang entered the United States on a student visa on July 13, 2023, and attended graduate school in St. Louis. She married on May 22, 2024, and later obtained lawful permanent resident status.
Prosecutors allege that she misrepresented the status of her marriage during an October 14, 2025, interview and on her application for a Green Card. Those allegations form part of the broader Immigration Fraud case and are separate from the firearm count.
The government also alleges that Huang later moved to New York and met Du. She then applied to join the U.S. Air Force. Court filings say she told a recruiter that she wanted to enlist to obtain citizenship quickly, divorce her current spouse and marry Du. Prosecutors identify those statements as part of the allegations, not as a separate publicly announced charge.
The allegations do not establish that Huang was accepted into the Air Force or obtained citizenship through military service. The publicly announced charges concern the alleged false statement and firearm transaction. The case therefore remains limited to the allegations described in the indictment and public announcement.
Du’s visa and asylum history
Du was issued a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa in September 2022 and entered the United States on October 2, 2022, according to court documents. About a year later, he applied for asylum. That history is relevant to the visa, asylum and firearm issues described by prosecutors.
The firearm charge against Du is based on the government’s allegation that he possessed a firearm while subject to federal restrictions applicable to certain noncitizens. Prosecutors say an attempted purchase on October 18, 2025, was denied and that Du was informed of the reason.
Investigators also allege that Du rented a firearm at least 13 times. A 9mm pistol was allegedly purchased on May 29, 2026, using his credit card, with Huang identified on the transaction paperwork as the actual buyer.
Potential penalties if convicted
The false statement charge against Huang carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, according to the Justice Department. That potential penalty applies to the charged conduct, not to a finding that Immigration Fraud occurred.
The firearm charges against Huang and Du each carry a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The maximum penalties are not guaranteed outcomes. Any sentence would depend on the charges proved, applicable sentencing rules and the court’s decision.
Because the case involves allegations, a conviction could also create separate immigration consequences. Those consequences may depend on the specific offense, the sentence, each defendant’s immigration history and future action by immigration authorities. An indictment alone does not cancel lawful status, revoke citizenship or establish removability.
What USCIS involvement means
USCIS assisted the investigation, but the criminal prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri. The criminal case and any later immigration proceeding are separate legal processes, including any proceeding related to Immigration Fraud.
In a case involving alleged immigration misconduct, USCIS may review information connected to immigration forms, interviews, supporting documents or statements made under oath. However, the public announcement does not state that Huang’s lawful permanent resident status has been revoked or that either defendant has been ordered removed.
Immigration benefits are generally decided through agency procedures, while criminal charges are resolved in federal court. A criminal indictment is an accusation returned by a grand jury; it is not a finding that the defendants committed the charged offenses or that the alleged misconduct has been established.
What happens next in the federal case
Huang and Du pleaded not guilty after surrendering to authorities. The case will proceed through the federal criminal process, which can include detention hearings, discovery, pretrial motions, plea negotiations and, if no resolution is reached, a trial.
The government must prove each charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are found guilty in court. That standard applies to the Immigration Fraud allegations as well as the firearm charges.
For people facing related allegations, the criminal and immigration aspects should be evaluated together. A criminal defense lawyer can address the indictment and court deadlines, while an immigration lawyer can assess possible effects on a Green Card, naturalization application, asylum claim or other pending benefit.
Individuals who receive a notice from USCIS or another immigration agency should follow the response deadline and obtain qualified legal advice before submitting a new statement or application. Applicants should also preserve copies of prior forms, interview notices, supporting documents and communications relevant to the case.
Investigation and reporting information
The FBI investigated the matter with assistance from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and USCIS. The Justice Department identified Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang as the prosecutor. The agencies’ roles do not by themselves establish Immigration Fraud.
USCIS directs the public to its Tip Form for reporting suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse. A report is not a determination that misconduct occurred, and allegations still require review by the appropriate authorities.
The case remains pending. The charges against Huang and Du are allegations, and both defendants retain the presumption of innocence unless the government proves guilt in federal court. The Immigration Fraud allegations remain subject to that process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was indicted in the St. Louis case?
Biqi “Ashley” Huang, 25, and Wentian Du, 35, were indicted in the Eastern District of Missouri on September 9, 2026. Both later turned themselves in and pleaded not guilty.
What Immigration Fraud charges does Huang face?
Huang faces a charge alleging that she made a false statement in a naturalization proceeding. She also faces a separate charge alleging fraudulent acquisition of a firearm.
What charge does Du face?
Du faces one count of being an alien in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that he possessed a firearm between June 1 and August 26, 2026.
Does an indictment automatically cancel immigration status?
No. An indictment is a criminal accusation, not a conviction. Any separate immigration consequences would depend on agency action, the specific allegations, the defendants’ records and the outcome of the criminal case.
What are the potential penalties?
The false statement charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The firearm charges each carry a potential maximum of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
Fact-Checked: The article was checked against the USCIS release dated September 22, 2026, and the Eastern District of Missouri Justice Department announcement dated September 17, 2026.
Disclaimer: This report summarizes public allegations and court-related information. It is not legal advice, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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