Title: “50 Charged in Puerto Rico for Identity Theft Ring Involving U.S. Citizens’ Documents”

Overview

Fifty individuals were charged in an extensive identity theft investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in partnership with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Details of the Investigation

Charges announced on January 10, 2012
Conspiracy to commit identification fraud occurred from April 2009 to December 2011
Operated in 15 states and Puerto Rico

Conspiracy Participants

Savarona suppliers in Puerto Rico: Obtained Puerto Rican identities and corresponding identity documents
Identity brokers throughout the United States: Bought documents from identity brokers and sold to customers
Customers: Used documents to assume Puerto Rican U.S. citizens’ identities, obtain additional identification documents, or commit financial fraud

Facilitating Transactions

Coded telephone calls
Courier services
Money transfer services

Penalties

If convicted:

Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine
Forfeiture

Partnerships

ICE HSI Chicago office
Illinois Secretary of State Police
Elgin Police Department
Seymour Police Department
Indiana State Police
ICE, USPIS, DSS, and IRS-CI offices around the country

Operation Island Express

Coordinated by ICE HSI Chicago office
Ongoing efforts to combat document and identity fraud nationwide

Key Quotes

From Main Street to Wall Street, identity fraud exacts a devastating toll on American consumers and businesses. Today’s arrests underscore our commitment to working with our federal partners to put a stop to such criminal activities. - Director John Morton, ICE

The allegations in this indictment demonstrate that those who engage in identity fraud face serious consequences. The Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners are committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who violate the law in this manner. - Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer