Colorado authorities disrupt 16-man identity theft ring

In Centennial, Colorado, police broke up an identity theft scheme involving 16 people who face more than 160 charges and individual bonds totaling $10,000 to $100,000, ABC 7 News in Denver reports. In a statement, Cheryl Rowles-Stokes, chief deputy district attorney at the District Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit, said the investigation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies across the state and took months to complete. "Hundreds, if not thousands, of man hours were devoted to the eradication of this identity theft ring for the protection of not only the businesses and citizens of Arapahoe County, but the businesses and citizens of our state as well," Rowles-Stokes said. Five individuals remain at large, and authorities are interrogating the arraigned suspects as well as asking for help from local communities for information on the remaining fugitives. Identity theft affects businesses significantly, as criminals often steal personal information from victims to open fraudulent credit cards and obtain goods. Ultimately, this leaves the liability on the business, which in turn relies on insurance to cover losses. Detailed identification authorization of clients will increase security and ensure the legitimacy of a business.