US: "designer identity" kit found in passenger's luggage

Here's what the term means (we invented it so we can define it, right?): the creation of a fictitious identity (including the use of someone else's real identity) for the purposes of misleading any person as to the person's real identity.

So what do you need to create a designer identity?

Last week, the increasingly successful behavioural analysts watching passengers at US airports spotted someone they thought was a bit suspicious - a passenger at Midway International Airport was arrested recently for alleged attempted bribery and possession of fraudulent documents following a bag check.

A security officer discovered blank driving licences and identification cards during the check. When questioned, the passenger was evasive, prompting Howe to call behavioural detection officers (BDOs) for assistance. The passenger was taken to a private screening area where he allegedly attempted to bribe the BDOs.

Chicago police were called and the passenger was arrested. Inside his bag was a laptop computer, scanner, numerous blank driving licence and identification forms, and a large amount of cash. An inspection of his travelling companion's checked luggage revealed 10 bags of cannabis and two vials containing suspected narcotics.

"This was an outstanding job of detecting possible criminal activity, leading to a felony arrest and continuing investigation," said Federal Security Director Dereck Starks. "It demonstrates the integrity, professionalism, and Team Spirit here at Chicago Midway."

Well, actually, it was a routine bag check and old fashioned questioning - hardly cutting edge stuff. But a good catch nevertheless - and showing the mobility of criminals, including those committing identity crime.

But it's not the only similar case: officers at Miami International Airport recently flagged a male passenger for additional screening, based on both suspicious documents and behaviour. Suddenly, he bolted from the security area.

TSA officers followed, giving police a running commentary (literally) on his whereabouts. Miami-Dade police officers apprehended Faid Beydoun, 42, after he jumped from a first floor roadway, breaking an arm and ribs as he landed on the ground below. Beydoun was arrested on charges of resisting arrest without violence and disorderly conduct, and found to be carrying documents in several identiies.