Athens Georgia identity theft ring investigated by federal and state authorities
Georgia and federal law enforcement agents are investigating a large identity theft ring alleged to have cloned numerous credit cards in the Athens Georgia area. Investigators allege that the ring was led by Vikas Yadav from his home in Clarke County. According to law enforcement, Yadav was able to obtain credit card numbers through his employment at a local liquor store.
The Athens Banner Herald has the story. The article also contains a link to the search warrant obtained by the Athens Georgia police and U.S. Secret Service agents involved in the investigation.
No arrests have been made in Georgia, although Yadav has been arrested and charged in federal court in Mississippi. Other arrests have been made in North Carolina and Atlanta. Considering the fact that the alleged conspiracy appears to involve multiple states, all of the people arrested will likely face federal fraud charges.
Our firm has recently handled many identity theft and fraud cases in federal court in Atlanta and other parts of Georgia. The punishment for this type of offense can be severe. The amount of time in custody usually depends on the total amount of money involved. The federal sentencing guidelines also call for significant sentencing enhancements in fraud cases when identify theft is involved.
The investigation in this case remains pending.
