Suspected identity theft ring busted

(8/02/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Authorities say they've broken up an identity theft operation in northwest Harris County.

<!--html1--> Harris County sheriff deputies, along with the FBI and the ATF raided a Best Western motel on FM 1960 Wednesday afternoon. <!--/p>

It started when narcotics officers noticed something unusual inside the rooms at the motel. That's when they began to investigate. --> Five suspects were arrested. Officials say four of them had Canadian passports, but were apparently of Romanian descent. The fifth, they say, didn't have a foreign accent, but they're not sure where he's from because he didn't have identification on him.

Investigators say they're glad they caught the men when they did.

"The items that are in here are basically items to do identity theft through ATM machines and credit cards and stuff of that nature," said Sgt. Al Blendermann with the Harris County Sheriff's Department. "So right now, it's still being worked as an ongoing case, so charges haven't been filed yet."

We talked to the hotel management Wednesday and we learned that the men had been in the rooms since July 28, always paying in cash. We also called Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials in Dallas. They say they're looking into the case because these men are foreign nationals.
<span class=xsmall> (Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)</span>

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