Serious and organised criminals have little difficulty obtaining false identity documents anywhere in the UK, and probably the EU, according to the National Criminal Intelligence Service.
The NCIS assessment on identity fraud is for the Home Office-chaired Strategic Customer Group. Identity fraud underpins much serious and organised crime. ID fraud cuts across most criminal sectors: illegal immigration, drugs trafficking, money laundering, vehicle theft, and frauds. Such false identities enable criminals to conceal themselves, and may also facilitate specific criminal acts, such as people smuggling or benefit fraud. False identities are sold for money. A false identity document can be obtained by counterfeiting or forgery, fraudulent application, or misuse of someone else’s document.
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Forgery used
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Counterfeiting and, especially, forgery is the means most commonly used by criminals to create false documentation, followed by fraudulent applications and impersonations. More intelligence is needed, especially on how false documents are obtained; who are the ID counterfeiters, forgers and other providers, based in the UK or overseas, and the serious and organised criminals that they support; what is the role of corrupt officials in the UK and abroad, in providing, or turning a blind eye to, false documentation; and how serious and organised criminals use the internet for false identities.
