KANSAS CITY, Nov 16: Five Pakistani nationals living in the metro area are accused of paying American women to marry them.

US Attorney Bradley Schlozman said he believes all five are involved in sham marriages to stay in the United States.

A woman, Robyn Adele Raja, 52, is also charged in the case. Schlozman said she is a United States citizen who was paid to marry one of the Pakistani men.

The other five charged in the 12-count indictment are Qammar Ulzaman Raja, 47; Riaz Ahmed, 44; Mohammed Shafique, 42; Waseem Qammar, 26, and Nadeem Qammar.

All six were charged with conspiracy to commit fraud marriages; all six pleaded not guilty.

A friend of Ahmed, David Ray, said he was surprised by the charges.

“I didn't even know he was married -- that's a shock.—PPI