DHS Implementing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

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Aug 7, 2006, News Report

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warrants around the country.
Forensic Document Laboratory (FDL): The ICE FDL is another tool in the arsenal against document fraud. The FDL is the federal government's only forensic crime laboratory dedicated exclusively to fraudulent document detection and deterrence. It is also recognized as one of the premiere fraudulent document analysis facilities in the world. In fiscal year 2005, the FDL received 4,180 submissions for forensic document examinations and fingerprint examinations. The lab also completed 3,918 additional outstanding cases in this time period. Furthermore, the FDL responded to 3,942 requests for information via telephone and e-mail. The laboratory distributed nearly 100 document intelligence products and trained 1,668 individuals in fraudulent document recognition.

Selected ICE Fraudulent Document Cases:

Castorena Family Organization -- On June 17, 2006, Pedro Castorena-Ibarra, the accused leader of one of the largest fraudulent document organizations ever targeted by U.S. law enforcement, was arrested in Guadalajara, Mexico pursuant to an ICE provisional arrest warrant. One of ICE's Most Wanted fugitives, Castorena was indicted in Denver in 2005 on federal document fraud and money laundering violations. His organization, known as the Castorena Family Organization, oversaw counterfeit document cells or "franchises" in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, Denver Las Vegas and other major U.S. cities. ICE agents have prosecuted more than 50 members of the Castorena organization in Denver alone. Fake documents linked to the Castorena organization have been found in all 50 U.S. states.
Operation Card Shark -- Operation Card Shark is an ongoing ICE Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force case in the Washington, D.C. area. To date, this investigation has dismantled seven fraudulent document laboratories, yielded 60 criminal prosecutions, and resulted in the seizure of more than 10,000 documents worth roughly $1 million. The investigation has led to the apprehension of more than 200 illegal aliens.
Mississippi / Abu Sayyaf Case -- On May 20, 2005, Cedric Carpenter and Lamont Ranson were sentenced in Mississippi for conspiring to sell false documents to individuals they believed were members of Abu Sayyaf, a Philippines-based group designated as a foreign terrorist organization. The investigation was conducted by ICE agents. Carpenter was sentenced to 63 months, while Ranson was sentenced to 29 months in prison.