In an ongoing investigation, a total of 111 individuals were charged criminally due to suspected involvement in an identity theft ring that has said to have been spread across many different industries in New York City area.
Of the 111 charged, 86 have allegedly been taken into custody, while authorities are still looking for the remaining 25 suspects.
Charges range from enterprise corruption, grand larceny and
theft.
According to reports, the identity theft ring has said to have been operational since 2010 and includes restaurant workers, bank tellers and other types of service employees.
The Queens District Attorney was quoted as saying that this is the largest and most sophisticated fraud case that he had ever seen.
According to sources, the scheme involved several layers of activity in which the alleged suspects would steal credit card numbers and information from skimming, online, and by other means.
Once the credit card numbers were collected, according to reports, they were sold to teams of illegal credit card manufacturers who would then forge cards of major credit card brands. Next, the team allegedly used "shoppers" who would purchase high end goods and would resell these items overseas for a profit.
If you have been accused of being involved in any type of criminal activity, you may need to talk to a New York City criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your entire future will be in jeopardy with a criminal charge, even a seemingly harmless misdemeanor offense.
At Hochheiser & Hochheiser LLP, the team provides exceptionally skilled and resourceful defense for defendants all across New York City communities. Call the office today for information regarding the charges you are facing and to find out how the team can help you.
Contact a New York City criminal defense attorney at the firm today.