Man Charged with Producing and Mailing Fake U.S. Passports to NJ

Authorities allege the suspect distributed counterfeit passport cards via encrypted platforms and mailed them to New Jersey.

NEWARK, NJ - An Illinois man has been charged with creating and distributing fake U.S. passport cards through the mail, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Juma Wajid, also known as “Jay Khan” and “Jamal Anthony,” 36, of Chicago, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins III in Atlanta federal court. He is charged with furnishing a false, forged, and counterfeited U.S. passport to another individual and was released on a $15,000 unsecured bond.

Details of the Allegations

Court documents and statements reveal that in April 2024, law enforcement intercepted a package containing a counterfeit U.S. passport card. Investigators linked Wajid to the production of fraudulent documents through an encrypted messaging app and an online account. Between June 2022 and April 2024, Wajid is alleged to have facilitated hundreds of similar mailings.

In August 2024, undercover law enforcement officials purchased five fake U.S. passport cards and other documents from Wajid. These items were reportedly created by Wajid and mailed to an address in New Jersey in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.

Legal Consequences

If convicted, Wajid faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the financial proceeds of the alleged crime. It is important to note that the charges are accusations, and Wajid is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat the illegal production and distribution of counterfeit identification documents, which can pose significant risks to national security and public safety.