Feds indict 20 after raids at local flea markets

Three flea markets on Airline Drive were the sites of fake ID raids by a federal task force.

3 area flea markets raided


Operated Fake I.D. netted 13 charges by indictment for allegedly conspiring to possess, obtain, accept and receive forged, counterfeited, altered and falsely made immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, permits, border crossing cards, alien registration cards, and other documents prescribed by statute or regulation for entry into or as evidence of authorized stay or employment in the United States, United States Attorney Jose Angel Moreno and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Fienberg announced last week.

“The sale of counterfeit identification documents is a matter of national security,” said Moreno. “These types of enforcement actions are necessary to secure our borders and protect our citizens.”

Two indictments charging a total of 20 persons returned under seal by a Houston grand jury on July 22, are the result of an 18-month investigation dubbed Operation Fake I.D., conducted by the HSI Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, which includes special agents of the Department of State Diplomatic Security SErvice and officers of the Houston Police Dept.

Operation Fake I.D. focused its investigative efforts upon persons allegedly involved in the trafficking of counterfeit government identity documents, including permanent resident cards, at the Sunny, La Tia Pancha, and Sintas flea markets in North Houston.

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