REWARD OFFERED IN HUNT FOR IDENTITY THIEF                             Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced today that a reward of up to $1,500 is being offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual depicted in the attached photograph.  The “John Doe” defrauder is believed to be responsible for a series of 2001 identity thefts and bank frauds resulting in losses exceeding $160,000 to Bank One.                       According to a 2003 criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, the “John Doe” defrauder assumed the identities of several legitimate citizens by obtaining drivers licenses, establishing bank accounts, and creating “shell companies” in the names of innocent individuals during 2001.  He then deposited multiple stolen and forged Bank One checks into these fraudulently-opened bank accounts and withdrew the cash before the banks became aware of the fraud.  The withdrawals took place at bank branches located in LaGrange Park, Blue Island, Alsip, and Midlothian, Illinois.                       The investigation led the FBI to four Chicago apartment buildings where the “John Doe” defrauder rented units using stolen identities.  The apartments were used as mail drops in furtherance of his check fraud schemes.  Witnesses told the FBI that the “John Doe” defrauder drove fancy cars and wore expensive clothing while presenting himself as a businessman from Nigeria.  Witnesses also stated that substantial amounts of mail from various financial institutions would accumulate at the apartments he rented under the stolen identities.                       In appealing to the public for help, Mr. Grant noted the seriousness of these types of frauds. "An identity theft is a particularly aggravating crime – both for the victim financial institution and for the individuals whose lives are turned upside-down trying to unwind the damage done to their credit and reputations after their identities are stolen,” Grant said. "The person who committed these crimes is a sophisticated defrauder who needs to be caught.”                       The “John Doe” defrauder is described as a black male of Nigerian descent in his 30s, 5’8’’ tall, 170 pounds.                       Anyone recognizing this individual is asked to call the Chicago FBI at 312-421-6700.           EDITOR’S NOTE:  Additional copies of the criminal complaint and attached flyer with photo are available from the Chicago FBI’s press office at (312) 829-1199.  Pic at: http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seekinfo/bigby.htm

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