Alleged Illegal Russian Immigrant Arrested in Racketeering Bust

Posted: 5:31 PM Jul 23, 2009
Last Updated: 5:31 PM Jul 23, 2009
Reporter: KKTV
Email Address: news@kktv.com

An alleged illegal Russian illegal immigrant living in Colorado Springs has been arrested, accused in repackaging scam.

Financial Crimes Detectives were tipped off to Vladislav Shirokov, 24, after he alleged used a stolen credit card to buy $800 worth of music equipment. The equipment was shipped to 5274 Tomah Circle in Colorado Springs.

Detectives teamed up with U.S. Postal Inspectors as well as with security officers of Federal Express and United Parcel. They have identified at least 24 more victims who may have had their credit card information stolen.

During questioning investigators learned Shirokov is an illegal alien from Russia living in Colorado Springs. Officials say his three-month work visa expired in September 2006.

Detectives say Shirokov was accepting packages for his friend Gleb Dnilov of Kostrma, Russia. Shirokov would then allegedly repackage the deliveries and ship them by U.S. Mail to several different locations in the Moscow, Russia area.

Shirokov is being held at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center. He faces charges of Raketeering, Identity Theft, and an Immigration Hold.

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