An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Archived Content
    In an effort to keep CBP.gov current, the archive contains content from a previous administration or is otherwise outdated.
  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Local Media Release
  4. 14,504 Fake ID Items Seized by Cincinnati CBP in 2020

14,504 Fake ID Items Seized by Cincinnati CBP in 2020

Release Date
Tue, 01/05/2021

CINCINNATI–-The unprecedented pandemic year is finally behind us, but the search is always on in Cincinnati for fake identification documents being sent into the country. Despite the disruptive events of the previous 12 months, CBP officers and specialists at the Port of Cincinnati remained committed to safeguarding our borders and serving the American people. Licenses

In 2020, CBP officers in Cincinnati seized 14,504 fraudulent identification items, in the form of licenses, holographic stickers or seals, laminates, social security cards, passports, visas, and other types of identification. Over 97% of all fake documents seized at the Port of Cincinnati originated in China and Hong Kong.

Officers found that the holographic stickers, laminates, and seals were often shipped with blank cards showing intent to manufacture fake credit cards and IDs to be sold on the black market. The shipments were headed to addresses throughout the United States.

“Fake IDs are used to facilitate underage drinking, which is dangerous in and of itself,” said Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie. “The story can get even darker, however. Fake documents are associated with identity theft, public benefit fraud, and human trafficking, and terrorists use them to evade travel screening measures. Our officers and specialists are trained to recognize fake identification documents and they are dedicated to protecting innocent civilians.”

CBP officers coordinate identification findings with CBP’s Fraudulent Document Analysis Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, and other federal partners in order to combat any illicit activity. Visit CBP’s YouTube channel to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.

Fake documents play a significant role in human trafficking, and CBP would like to raise awareness of the dangers associated with fake documentation and human trafficking by supporting #WearBlueDay, recognized on January 11th, in support of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign. Follow @DHSBlueCampaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Mar 01, 2024