FBI and Dutch Police Dismantle Global Fake ID Marketplace

Authorities shut down VerifTools, a major hub for counterfeit identity documents linked to millions in illicit revenue.

International operation takes down VerifTools

The FBI and Dutch police have taken down VerifTools, an underground marketplace notorious for selling counterfeit identity documents at prices as low as $9. The authorities seized domains, a blog, and multiple servers used to run the platform.

According to the investigators, VerifTools ranked among the most prominent online vendors for forged driver’s licenses, passports, and other government IDs. Fraudsters exploited these fake credentials to commit crimes ranging from employment scams to cryptocurrency theft. In some cases, teenagers used the documents to buy alcohol illegally.

Servers seized in Amsterdam

On Aug. 27, Dutch authorities raided an Amsterdam data center, securing two physical servers and more than 21 virtual machines connected to the site. Police said they are analyzing the data to identify both the marketplace’s operators and its customer base. Meanwhile, the FBI disrupted VerifTools’ online presence, halting its global trade in counterfeit IDs.

According to officials, the takedown deals a significant blow to cyber-enabled fraud.

“The removal of this marketplace is a major step in protecting the public from fraud and identity theft crime,” said Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division. “Together with our partners, we will continue to target and dismantle the platforms that criminals depend on, no matter where they operate.”

Investigation uncovered global reach

The FBI started investigating VerifTools in August 2022, when agents discovered its role in a conspiracy involving stolen personal data and cryptocurrency accounts. Undercover agents bought forged New Mexico driver’s licenses using cryptocurrency, confirming the platform’s extensive reach. Authorities later determined the service produced fake IDs for all 50 US states and multiple foreign nations.

In total, VerifTools generated the equivalent of $6.4 million in unlawful proceeds, according to investigators. Dutch police noted that crimes such as forgery and the use of false identification can carry prison terms of up to six years in the Netherlands.

Identity protection in the digital age

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