By: Richard L. Smith
A Chicago man has admitted to producing counterfeit United States passport cards and mailing fraudulent identification documents to New Jersey in exchange for cryptocurrency payments, federal authorities announced.
According to information released by U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer, Juma Wajid, 38, also known as “Jay Khan” and “Jamal Anthony,” pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to furnishing false, forged and counterfeit passport documents.
Wajid, who previously resided in Gwinnett County, Georgia, entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton.
Federal prosecutors said Wajid used an online account to arrange shipments containing counterfeit U.S. passport cards and other fraudulent identification documents he had created.
Investigators determined that Wajid mailed at least six fake passport cards along with additional identification materials.
In August 2024, law enforcement authorities purchased five counterfeit U.S. passport cards and other documents from Wajid as part of an investigation into his activities.
According to court records, Wajid believed the fraudulent identification documents would be used to commit bank fraud.
After producing the materials, Wajid mailed them to an address in New Jersey and received payment through cryptocurrency.
The guilty plea carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.
A sentencing date was not included in the federal announcement.