MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors say an identity theft ring that affected banks and stores in at least 14 states has been broken up now that 12 people have been indicted.
A superseding indictment unsealed Friday alleges that from 2006 through last December, the defendants conspired to defraud banks, customers and businesses.
As part of the scheme, prosecutors say, some of the defendants stole information from people at their workplaces and gave it to co-conspirators, who created false driver’s license, checks or other documents.
The fake documents were used to buy expensive items and gift cards at stores, then the items were returned for cash.
Prosecutors say the ring stole about $2 million from financial institutions and stores in at least 14 states. Seven others have already pleaded guilty in the scheme.
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