5 Charged in Counterfeit Operation for ID Cards

Five people, including four illegal immigrants, were arraigned this week before a U.S. magistrate on charges of counterfeiting thousands of identification documents, immigration officials said.”

Immigration and Naturalization Service agents arrested the five on Monday and seized thousands of Social Security cards, INS and California Department of Motor Vehicle forms, plus $20,000 in cash and three handguns.

Acting INS Los Angeles District Director Robert Moschorak said immigration agents, armed with search warrants, conducted the crackdown on a ring that operated at 11th and Alvarado streets. Moschorak said alien registration cards, plus a Social Security card, were being sold on the streets for up to $50, while counterfeit employment authorization cards were being sold for $300 to $500.