Mexican National Participated in Identity Trafficking Scheme
A Mexican national was recently indicted for participating in an identity trafficking scheme. The scheme involved trafficking the identities of US citizens to other individuals living in the country illegally. This case highlights the severity of identity theft and the importance of safeguarding personal information.
The Allegations
The man is alleged to have been part of a scheme to sell the personal information of US citizens to individuals living in the country illegally. The scheme involved creating fake documents and using the stolen identities to obtain unauthorized employment and government benefits. The man allegedly profited from the scheme by receiving a cut of the proceeds from the sale of the stolen identities.
The Impact of Identity Trafficking
Identity trafficking has severe consequences for the victims whose identities are stolen. Identity theft can lead to financial ruin, loss of privacy, and damage to credit ratings. It is a type of crime that often goes undetected until it is too late, leaving victims with a lasting impact.
The Need for Identity Protection
Identity protection is critical for preventing identity theft and related crimes. Individuals must take measures to safeguard their personal and financial information, including using strong passwords, monitoring credit reports, and being cautious about sharing personal information online.
Law Enforcement Response
The man involved in the case was indicted on multiple counts related to identity trafficking. If convicted, he could face significant fines and a lengthy term of imprisonment. The case is an example of how law enforcement agencies are working to uncover and prosecute identity thieves and reduce the harm caused to innocent victims.
Preventing Identity Trafficking
To prevent identity trafficking, individuals and organizations must take robust measures to prevent data breaches and protect personal information. This includes implementing strict data protection policies, limiting employee access to sensitive information, and adopting encryption protocols to secure electronic data.
Conclusion
The case of the Mexican national involved in an identity trafficking scheme highlights the severity of identity theft and the importance of safeguarding personal information. Identity theft has severe consequences for victims and can lead to financial ruin and lasting damage to credit ratings. It is critical that individuals take measures to protect their personal and financial information, and that law enforcement agencies work to uncover and prosecute identity thieves to stop them from causing harm. By implementing robust identity protection measures, individuals and organizations can reduce their risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.
On November 26, 2012, the Department of Justice announced that Jose Sergio Garcia-Ramirez from Rockford, Illinois, received 58 months in prison for trafficking stolen identities and other identifying documents. He was ordered to forfeit $35,900, and he will be removed from the United States after he serves time in prison.
According to court documents, individuals in the Savarona area of Caguas, Puerto Rico were able to obtain Puerto Rican identities and other identifying documents. Conspirators also operated in the United States and sold social security cards and Puerto Rican birth certificates for $700 to $2,500.
The brokers asked for the identities from the Savarona suppliers by using coded telephone calls and text messages. The calls initiated money transfers after which documents were sent by U.S. mail.
Court documents further indicate that some of the brokers used Puerto Rican identities to use in part with their trafficking operation as well. Most of the customers, however, used the Puerto Rican identities to obtain state driver’s licenses. Some of the customers went as far as committing financial fraud with the identities.
The Justice Department states that brokers in the scheme were operating in at least the following areas:
• Rockford, IL
• DeKalb, IL
• Aurora, IL
• Seymour, IN
• Columbus, IN
• Indianapolis, IN
• Hartford, CT
• Clewistown, FL
• Lilburn, GA
• Norcross, GA
• Salisbury, MD
• Columbus, OH
• Fairfield, OH
• Dorchester, MA
• Lawrence, MA
• Salem, MA
• Worcester, MA
• Grand Rapids, MI
• Nebraska City, NE
• Elizabeth, NJ
• Burlington, NC
• Hickory, NC
• Hazleton, PA
• Philadelphia, PA
• Houston, TX
• Abingdon, VA
• Albertville, AL
• Providence, RI
53 people have been charged for participating in the identity trafficking scheme, and 18 of the defendants have pleaded guilty so far.
Source: Department of Justice
