MEMPHIS—Officers assigned to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Area Port of Memphis seized nearly 2,000 counterfeit driver’s licenses and two fake passports at an express consignment facility over the past week.
The shipments originated from China and were being shipped to various destinations throughout the United States. Many of the shipments were smuggled in the bottom of boxes containing a single tassle, and were manifested as a Chinese knot.
The IDs were turned over to the Fraudulent Document Analysis Unit, who later determined them to be fake. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is continuing to investigate. Fake IDs are often sold on the black market for $250 – $500, often going to high school and college students, but they are also used by illegal aliens looking to gain entry into the United States.
“Some may think fake IDs are mostly associated with underaged drinking, but it’s much more than that,” said Michael Neipert, CBP Area Port of Memphis Director. “Fraudulent IDs can also be associated with identity theft and terrorist activity. With all the uncertainty currently facing our nation, it is inherent that CBP Memphis Officers/Agriculture specialists remain steadfast in securing the nation’s borders.”
CBP Officers coordinate findings with CBP’s Fraudulent Document Analysis Unit, Homeland Security Investigations and other federal partners in an effort to combat this illicit activity.
The Area Port of Memphis is assigned to CBP’s New Orleans Office of Field. Its area of operation includes ports in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Alabama. Information concerning counterfeit merchandise can be reported through e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System. Border security crimes, including narcotic and contraband smuggling, human trafficking, currency smuggling, terrorism, and immigration, trade, and agriculture violations in the CBP New Orleans five-state area can also be reported by calling 1-866-237-3468.
