Chicago fake ID ring smashed

A counterfeit document ring has been smashed in Chicago, The raids took place in October 2009 with 15 people being arrested and another 6 still being searched for, in what is part of a major crackdown on the multimillion dollar business of fake id and counterfeit document production in the US. US Federal agents, swooped during early morning raids to arrest the 2 US citizens, and 13 Mexicans, Six of the named men were still sought by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gary Hertvig, a special agent leading the operation in Chicago said "This action should send a clear message that the law enforcement team will identify the criminal gangs involved in perpetuating document fraud"

Document ring arrested

The arrests of the St Louis fake id document ring follows an earlier investigation in 2008 where the so called Albany Crew were successfully prosecuted for fake id production. A news conference held acknowledged the difficult subject of illegal immigration, but was keen to reassure the public that the aim of the operation was to eliminate the trade in fake id production, and not to focus on immigration issues.

The fraudsters were able to produce social security cards, fake green cards, fake driving licences, and other fake ID cards. The cards would be sold on by 8 to 10 street traders within the gang who would sell directly on the street, signalling to passing traffic that fake id papers were available ranging in price from $120 to $160 for a full set. Police also seized a significant amount of computing and professional high definition printing equipment capable of printing fake id cards and passport pages. Officials said the counterfeit and fake id documents produced were mainly sought by immigrants, they sought fake green cards indicating they were from Mexico and other South American countries, and also China, and Eastern European countries such as Albania and Russia.

Sentence

The offences for which the gang will be tried carry a maximum of 5 years imprisonment and a £250,000 fine. The previous successes of the unit have resulted in some high profile daytime raids where shopping malls have been targeted resulting in the arrests of dozens of people carrying fake identity documents, in some cases the offenders were deported.