Investigators uncovered a highly structured, international identity-theft ring, with operations based in California, New York, and Minnesota.
The victims were banks, credit card companies, and identities from around the world, said US assistant Attorney Ann Anaya. Over 8,700 individual identities were stolen.
The ring had as many as 200 members, many of whom were originally from West Africa.
"To date, 22 of the 29 people who have been publicly charged in the conspiracy have pleaded guilty," according to the Star Tribune.
Nick: You only got credit for three of the blog entries you wrote this week. You just cut it too close, and two were published half an hour late. Allow more time next week.