23 held in Nevada in ID theft scheme

ASSOCIATED PRESS

December 10, 2008

LAS VEGAS – Nearly two dozen people, many with ties to Eastern Europe, have been arrested in a credit card fraud and identity theft scheme that cost businesses and consumers about $1.5 million, Nevada and federal authorities said yesterday.

Thirteen people were arrested on federal charges Monday in southern Nevada and Los Angeles, said Greg Brower, U.S. attorney for Nevada. Las Vegas police said 10 were arrested on state charges, including forgery, credit card fraud, weapons and drug possession.
The arrests were the first for a Eurasian organized crime task force based in Las Vegas. The task force was formed two years ago in response to “the influx and influence and activity of Eurasian-based gang-type criminalsâ€