Fake ID Factory Busted in Stratford
A Ukrainian man, Sergiy Mykhaylov, 41, turned his Stratford home into a high-tech forgery factory. Equipped with computers and printers, he churned out tens of thousands of fake IDs, passports, and more. He ran an online business, taking orders and posting forged documents across the UK.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) seized over 3,000 fake identity documents, 3,500 passport-style photos, 300 Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) cards, a staggering 40,000 counterfeit bank cards, and £15,000 in cash.
Caught Red-Handed Handing Over Fake IDs
Mykhaylov was arrested in June 2018 by NCA officers outside his workplace in Hackney after being spotted handing six forged ID cards to a regular customer, Genadijs Kalinins, 40.
Kalinins, also Ukrainian and based in Essex, acted as a middleman. He sourced fraudulent documents for organised crime groups. The fake IDs were reportedly used by illegal immigrants to secure jobs and rent properties across the UK.
Both Men Jailed and Ordered to Pay Back Millions
Both men pleaded guilty to multiple fraud offences. In September 2018, at Blackfriars Crown Court, Kalinins was sentenced to six years and three months, while Mykhaylov got five years and six months.
At Southwark Crown Court this week, Mykhaylov admitted his criminal proceeds totalled £1,143,000 but has only £29,518 in recoverable assets. He must pay this sum within three months or face an extra 18 months behind bars.
Kalinins acknowledged earning £559,520.36 from his crimes. His assets, including his home and a BMW, are worth £313,539. He faces a further three years in prison if he fails to pay up in time. If either man misses the deadline, they’ll serve extra jail time but still owe the money.
NCA Cracks Down on Crime Cash
Mark McCormack, NCA Branch Commander, said: “The forged documents sold by Mykhaylov and Kalinins fuel crime like money laundering, fraud, and immigration offences across the UK and beyond. By providing these services, they aided organised criminals who exploit vulnerable people with illegal and dangerous entry methods. It’s right that any benefits they’ve made are stripped away.” “This case shows that prison isn’t the only price criminals face. The NCA will keep working to seize the proceeds of crime.”
