A Los Angeles woman pleaded guilty Thursday to immigration fraud for her role in an alleged multimillion-dollar “pay to stay” operation that provided student visas to foreign nationals, most of whom never went to class.
Eun Young “Jamie” Choi, 35, entered the plea to two federal immigration fraud-related charges and is set for sentencing on Jan. 11, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
A March indictment alleges that few of the hundreds of students enrolled actually attended the schools, and that many lived out of state and had never set foot on campus.
The alleged enterprise — which may have generated as much as $6 million a year from citizens of South Korea, China and other nations — involved Koreatown schools Prodee University, Walter Jay M.D. Institute, and the American College of Forensic Studies, plus the Likie Fashion and Technology College in Alhambra.
Also charged are Hee Sun Shim, also known as Leonard Shim and Leo Shim, 51, of Beverly Hills, the alleged owner and manager of the schools; and Hyung Chan Moon, also known as Steve Moon, 39, of Los Angeles, who allegedly assisted with the operation and management of the schools.
Prosecutors said Choi is a former employee who helped operate and manage the schools.
Shim and Moon face trial in October.
– Wire reports