The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), also known as the Immigration Bureau, announced on Tuesday (September 22) that two Chinese citizens surrendered on September 17. One of them had previously been charged with a crime during the naturalization process, and both are accused of illegal possession of firearms.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri issued this news, with assistance from the Immigration Bureau.
According to the announcement, 25-year-old Biqi Ashley Huang and 35-year-old Wentian Du were indicted on September 9. Huang was charged with making false statements during the naturalization process and obtaining firearms fraudulently. Du was charged with illegally possessing firearms as a foreigner.
The indictment alleges that Huang perjured herself regarding naturalization matters between August 1, 2025, and July 27, 2026. She was also charged with lying to a firearms dealer on May 28, 2026, regarding the purchase of firearms.
The documents state that Du illegally possessed firearms between June 1, 2026, and August 26, 2026.
According to court records, Huang entered the United States on a student visa on July 13, 2023, studied as a graduate student in St. Louis, and got married on May 22, 2024. She falsely claimed her marital status during an interview on October 14, 2025, and during her green card application, ultimately gaining lawful permanent resident status.
Du obtained a B1/B2 non-immigrant visa in September 2022 and entered the U.S. on October 2, 2022, applying for asylum approximately a year later.
In June 2026, Huang moved to New York and met Du. She then applied to join the U.S. Air Force, informing recruiters of her intention to enlist to expedite her citizenship, divorce her current spouse, and marry Du.
During the investigation, FBI agents discovered that Du attempted to purchase firearms on October 18, 2025, but was denied. Du also rented firearms at least 13 times, with his credit card used to buy a 9mm handgun on May 29, 2026. Huang filled out a false form, claiming to be the actual purchaser of this firearm.
Huang faces a maximum of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both for perjury. Du and Huang each face a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both for illegal possession of firearms.
The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) and the Immigration Bureau.
The charges listed in the indictment are only allegations and do not constitute evidence of guilt. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The two surrendered themselves after being indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ) information released on September 17, both individuals are currently only “charged/accused” and have pleaded not guilty.