Thread: Locals arrested in fraud identification document sweep

http://www2.townonline.com/malden/lo...format=&page=2

Nine people were arrested last week and charged federally with selling fraudulent United States identification documents such as Social Security cards, green cards and alien registration cards.
The arrests were the result of a week-long effort by the newly created Immigration and Customs Enforcement Documentation and Benefit Fraud Task Force - one of only 10 such task forces in the nation. Last week’s enforcement actions took place in Framingham, Hull, Lawrence, Malden, Medford and Worcester.


United States Attorney Michael J. Sullivan and Matthew J. Etre, acting special agent in charge of immigration and customs enforcement in Boston, announced last week’s task force operation which targeted several counterfeit document labs in Massachusetts. As a result, nine individuals were arrested and four search warrants executed resulting in the seizure of a wide array of documentation making materials and equipment.
"Immigration laws exist to protect American citizens," said Sullivan. "It is understandable that many from around the globe would want to come to live, work and raise families here in the greatest democracy in the world. However, this must be done in compliance with United States immigration laws - not in violation of them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the ICE Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force to disrupt the operation of fraudulent documentation labs in Massachusetts. Today’s arrests should make clear that those individuals who violate our laws and assist others in circumventing the immigration process will be prosecuted."
The nine defendants, all in the United States illegally, were arrested on criminal complaints charging them with violations involving the transfer or sale of fraudulent identification documents, including fraudulent Social Security cards, "green" cards, and alien registration cards. In each of the cases, cooperating informants, under the supervision of task force agents, made purchases of counterfeit documents from the defendants. Prices for a "set" (e.g. a counterfeit Social Security card and green card) typically ranged from $120-$200.
"Counterfeit document labs pose a very serious threat to the safety and security of our communities and our country," said Matthew J. Etre, acting special agent in charge of ICE’s Office of Investigations in Boston. "Fake documents create the illusion of legitimacy and allow criminals and law breakers to hide in plain sight. ICE and our partners on the Document and Benefit Task Force remain committed to disrupting and dismantling these criminal networks."
In April, ICE headquarters in Washington, D.C. announced the creation of joint task forces in 10 cities, including Boston, to combat document and benefit fraud. Led by ICE, the task forces build on existing partnerships to bring investigators together from a variety of agencies with expertise in different aspects of document and benefit fraud. Members of the ICE Department and Benefit Task Force in Boston include: the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department. Members of the taskforce will partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to formulate a comprehensive approach in targeting criminal organizations behind these schemes as well as the ineligible beneficiaries of such fraud.

Locally, those arrested were: Rubens Desousa Pereira, 36, of 66 Devir St., Malden. Pereira was arrested June 6. Following a hearing held June 12, the court found probable cause for the arrest of Pereira and he was ordered detained pending trial.
Luciano Silvio Santos, 44, of 98 Magoun Avenue, Medford. Santos was arrested June 6 and is in custody pending a probable cause and detention hearing.
If convicted of the charges, each of the defendants face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Additionally, upon completion of any prison sentence imposed, each defendant faces deportation to his/her country of origin.
These cases are being investigated by the ICE Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force whose members include: Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Office, the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in Sullivan’s Major Crimes Unit.
The details contained in the complaints are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Even if they do come here illegally, many of them have crime so embedded in them, they continue their criminal activities here...and I'm fed up with it!