The largest ID theft ring bust in the U.S. history resulted in the arrest of over a hundred people Friday. According to authorities, a total of 111 suspects were indicted in the 2-year sting where they are accused of ripping off countless victims of more than $13 million.
At a press conference Friday, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said the suspects stole credit card account numbers and forged credit cards, using the advances on shopping sprees, private jets and stays at luxurious 5-star hotels. The investigation, which was called “Operation Swiper” uncovered a system where suspects who were designated as “shoppers” were given cards and sent on numerous shopping sprees that spanned as far east as Massachusetts and as far west as California.
Also listed in Friday’s indictment was the theft of computer equipment from the Citicorp building in Queens that totaled nearly a $1 million. The equipment was later sold on the internet, authorities said.
“Even after the culprits are caught and prosecuted, their victims are still faced with the difficult task of having to repair their credit ratings and financial reputations,” Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said Friday, describing the damage as mind boggling. “In some cases, that process can take years.”
At a press conference Friday, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said the suspects stole credit card account numbers and forged credit cards, using the advances on shopping sprees, private jets and stays at luxurious 5-star hotels. The investigation, which was called “Operation Swiper” uncovered a system where suspects who were designated as “shoppers” were given cards and sent on numerous shopping sprees that spanned as far east as Massachusetts and as far west as California.
Also listed in Friday’s indictment was the theft of computer equipment from the Citicorp building in Queens that totaled nearly a $1 million. The equipment was later sold on the internet, authorities said.
“Even after the culprits are caught and prosecuted, their victims are still faced with the difficult task of having to repair their credit ratings and financial reputations,” Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said Friday, describing the damage as mind boggling. “In some cases, that process can take years.”
