U.S. D.S.S. Investigation Exposes Counterfeit Passport Fraud Network

UNITED STATES – A multi-state fraud scheme using counterfeit U.S. passport cards has led to major prison sentences for two New York individuals.

32-year-old Ciera Blas was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, while 41-year-old Kelly Josek received seven and a half years on similar charges.

Investigators say the pair used stolen identities from more than 80 victims to create fake passport cards and access financial accounts across the country.

Losses initially exceeded $1.3 million, but authorities say the scheme may be linked to more than $8 million and roughly 2,500 victims nationwide.