Operation Dustbuster Results in Nine Convictions For Passport OffensesBureau of Diplomatic SecuritySan Francisco, CA November 6, 2007 Cold Case Review Leverages 10 Year Statute of Limitations for Passport Fraud United States Attorney Scott N. Schools and Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Durkin announced the first results of Operation Dustbuster. Operation Dustbuster is a cold case investigation targeting imposters who made misrepresentations on United States passport applications as far back as 10 years ago. Many imposters who commit passport fraud use false identification documents, transient addresses, and third party mail boxes, making it difficult to immediately locate them. Over time though, these same imposters resurface and become complacent, allowing them to be identified and located. Passport fraud is a federal felony with a 10 year statute of limitations, meaning these imposters can be prosecuted up to 10 years after submitting a false passport application. According to various court records and proceedings, these imposters all made misrepresentations of their identity on applications for United States passports as far back as 1998. Since May 2007, these imposters were located by Special Agents of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and were either arrested or voluntarily self-surrendered for federal passport or related false identification document offenses. All of these imposters pleaded guilty this year to federal false identification offenses and most have been sentenced to federal probation. It should be noted that in none of these cases were any United States passports issued. Below are the names of the imposters and defendants:
Special Agent In Charge Patrick Durkin of the DSS San Francisco Field Office, said, “Looking over your shoulder for a decade, criminal prosecution, and most importantly, no passport ever being issued, awaits anyone who lies about their name on a passport application. The convictions are proof-positive that the Diplomatic Security Service is both tireless and patient in pursing passport imposters. ” In the past two years, over 50 Bay Area residents have been prosecuted for federal passport offenses in the Northern District of California, which encompasses the San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose metropolitan areas. Anyone with information about false or fraudulently issued passports or visas is encouraged to contact DSS at 415-705-1176. This case was investigated by the Diplomatic Security Service, United States Department of State. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State’s law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of 285 U.S. diplomatic missions around the world. In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the U.S. Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations. More information about the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security may be obtained at www.diplomaticsecurity.state.gov. Contact: Brian Leventhal Patrick Durkin |
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