Vegas Bride Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Marriage Scam

Jiaying Chen, a 34-year-old Las Vegas resident, has been sentenced for a complex scheme involving bigamy and fraud to finance her gambling habit. She received a sentence including jail time, probation, and restitution totaling $280,000. Chen pleaded guilty in July to felony bigamy and obtaining money under false pretenses.

From 2019 to early 2024, Chen submitted 14 marriage applications, leading to seven legal marriages. Authorities also found records under an alias, Vicky Liang. She targeted men met online, marrying them and then requesting money for fabricated family emergencies.

Chen's victims reported giving her significant amounts, including $40,000 for a supposed sick relative and $30,000 for a down payment on a house. She often disappeared after receiving funds. Detectives noted her preference for Las Vegas due to the perceived ease of marriage, despite application requirements for disclosure of marital status.

During a single year, Chen reportedly lost over $300,000 gambling at Wynn Las Vegas. Nine victims sought restitution, with claims ranging from $8,000 to over $80,000. District Judge Crystal Eller ordered Chen to pay $280,000 and undergo gambling addiction treatment.

The court's restitution order remains enforceable until the debt is satisfied, meaning victims may pursue repayment even after Chen completes her sentence. However, the actual recovery of the full $280,000 is uncertain, given her reported gambling losses.