Massive Multi-Agency Operation in Georgia Targets Fraud, Identity Theft, and Human Trafficking Ring

In a collaborative effort involving numerous law enforcement agencies, a major operation targeting fraud, identity theft, federal and state income tax fraud, and human trafficking has been launched. Initiated by the Perry Police Department and involving a multitude of agencies including the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security, the investigation spans various jurisdictions within and beyond Georgia.

Search and arrest warrants were executed at multiple locations across Houston, Bibb, Crawford, Fulton, and Dekalb Counties. Investigators seized hundreds of stolen checks and money orders totaling an estimated one million dollars, suspected to have been pilfered from United States Postal Service Blue Boxes in Bibb and Houston Counties.

Additionally, two locations were identified as hubs for manufacturing fraudulent documents, including driver’s licenses from all 50 states, passport cards, VA benefit cards, social security cards, alien resident cards, and debit cards, utilizing stolen identity information. Thousands of identity theft victims have been identified through evidence recovered from these sites.

Among the grim discoveries, an adult female victim of human trafficking from Iowa was rescued during operations in Fulton County. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit played a pivotal role in providing both expertise and victim services throughout the investigation.

As part of the ongoing effort to disrupt and dismantle the criminal organization, investigators seized high-end vehicles, cash, and other assets belonging to its members. However, the case remains active with further charges and arrests anticipated as the investigation progresses.