Russian woman on trial in Basel for sham marriage – noise complaint brings deception to light
A 40-year-old Russian woman is facing trial in Basel for entering into a sham marriage. The falsity was uncovered through a noise complaint filed by a neighbour.
Russian woman on trial in Basel for sham marriage – noise complaint brings deception to light
A 40-year-old Russian national must answer to the Basel criminal court for deliberately entering into marriage in violation of foreign nationals' law. The alleged marriage to a Swiss man proved to be purely a formal act to provide the woman with a secure residence status.
The falsity of the union came to light when a neighbour complained about noise. While clarifying the housing dispute, authorities discovered inconsistencies in the couple's cohabitation. The wife apparently did not actually live with the husband; the marriage existed only on paper.
Sham marriages are regarded as a classic means of illegal immigration. Perpetrators often pay high sums to Swiss citizens willing to enter into a fictitious marriage. The penal code provides for custodial sentences or fines for such deceptive acts.
The case demonstrates how everyday neighbourhood disputes can sometimes uncover more complex criminal structures. The Basel state prosecutor is examining whether the husband will also face criminal prosecution.
Source: bz Basel
Source: Google News CH — Crime (de)