Thread: 41 Arrested In Massive Identity-Theft Sting

http://www.wnbc.com/investigations/14351857/detail.html
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NEW YORK -- Tens of thousands of fake documents were sold along Roosevelt Avenue for years by two criminal organizations, authorities said Tuesday. Two major identity theft "mills" were shut down as a result of the raids.

Slideshow: I.D. Theft Sting

Forty-one people were arrested on charges they sold fake social security cards, driver’s licenses and other documents often used in identity-theft scams. Some of those arrested are gang members, police said.


VIDEO: Fake I.D. Sting Nets 41 Arrests

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown displayed hundreds of fake documents as well as the computers used to make them at his morning press conference.

"These documents allow individuals to live, work, operate motor vehicles, open lines of credit and even obtain government benefits - under assumed names or by using identity of others," Brown said.

Federal Secret Service agents joined the NYPD and State Police in helping take down the operation. Among the alleged ringleaders, a husband and wife team from Los Angeles who, police said, provided the raw materials to help make the fake documents.

Police said some gang members in Jackson Heights helped produce and sell the fake cards at $50 each. Police said money raised was used to support other gang activities.

Prosecutors said the document rings consist of a boss, a cutter, runners and street sellers. Sellers get photos and information from customers and pass it on to runners who go to "the mill" to have the needed fake document made.

Among those charged, Edgar Cardenas of 95th Street in Queens. Prosecutors said he headed one of the major rings.

Other high-ranking suspects named include Lauro Benitez, Geraldo Lima and Miguel Ramirez Rivera.

Investigators said as they pore through seized documents, they would notify the Federal Trade Commission if they find victims whose identities and personal information had been stolen.

Officials have also notified the Joint Terrorism Task Force to try to make sure none of the fake documents were being used for terror-related matters.

Officials stressed there is no link to terrorism at this time.

Authorities said the overall investigation continues and they expect to make additional arrests.

About a year ago I reported to ICE the same Flea Market stated here on our local area newspaper.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/side2/3502003.html
"To get the Social Security card he needed for his first job in America, all Francisco had to do was go to the flea market on Airline Drive and fork over $30 to a man who was selling them."

The story from above is from 02/06, up to this date the fake documents are still being sold there. BTW - This flea market is owned by an asian gentleman.

Document fraud is a very lucrative business. Illegal aliens are able to obtain any document they may need, and our traitorous government is complicit.

These criminals are eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to increase their revenue. They can't wait for the DREAM Act to pass. It will be a document forgers' dream. No pun intended.