Mitcham forgers of fake documents jailed (From Your Local Guardian)

Mitcham forgers of fake documents jailed

9:49am Sunday 27th February 2011 in Wimbledon By Craig Burnett

Two men have been jailed for running illegal document factories that churned out fake passports, driving licenses and ID cards.

The were pair caught after police raided two properties in Mitcham and Surbiton.

They discovered blank counterfeit European Union passports and equipment used in the production of illegal documents, including card embossers and holograms.

Police said Ahmed Benchiha and Mohamed Said Mesbah produced fake documents and sold them to buyers across Britain - with many used to support criminal activity.

The pair’s homes were raided on November 9, with police recovering computers with details of more than 700 fake documents.

The fraudsters were sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on February 18.

Benchiha, of Fernlea Road, Mitcham, was sentenced to a total of three years imprisonment after admitting four counts of possessing counterfeit identity documents with intent to supply, and one of possessing items to make counterfeit documents.

Mesbah of Oak Hill in Surbiton was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment after admitting the same charges. Benchiha, 37, and Mesbah, 46, will both be deported upon their release.

The operation to catch the pair was carried out by SCD9, the Met’s human exploitation and organised crime unit.

Detective Inspector Sarah Davies said: “This is another excellent result for SCD9's Operation Maxim working in partnership with UK Border Agency.

Benchiha and Mesbah were involved in the production and supply of counterfeit identity documents, enabling their customers to operate illegally in the UK and undoubtedly supporting a wide range of further criminal activity.”