22 Indicted in Connection With Fake Document Ring
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials made the announcement Thursday in connection with the investigation, dubbed “Operation Phalanx.” Officials have described the organization as “highly sophisticated and violent” and said it operated in 19 U.S. cities and 11 states.
ICE says fake resident alien and social security cards would cost between $150 and $200.
The indictment also alleges that between January 2008 and November 2010, the organization wired more than $1 million to Mexico.
The fraudulent document ring is accused of kidnapping, beating, and, on at least one occasion, murdering competitors and using violence to discipline its own members.
ICE says 28 alleged members of the organization were arrested in November on conspiracy charges and face between 15 and 20 years in prison if convicted. Five of those defendants have entered guilty pleas.