Can you believe this 41 Arrested In Massive Identity-Theft Sting?

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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.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. 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.

http://www.wnbc.com/investigations/14351857/detail.html