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Brazilian thieves
Business owner charged with identity theft
by Michael Kiefer - Jul. 9, 2009 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
An Anthem man who was arrested as part of an employer-sanctions investigation has been indicted on charges of fraud, identity theft, forgery and auto theft after it was discovered that he was using the Social Security number of a man who died in December.
Raphael Libardi, 48, a Brazilian officials say is in the country illegally, used the stolen number to start a business and purchase a home and two vehicles.
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas noted that it was the first time that a business owner had been charged after an employer-sanctions raid. But Thomas said that no actual employer-sanctions case can be made against Libardi for knowingly and willingly hiring illegal immigrants.
According to court documents, the Sheriff's Office received a tip in March that Libardi had fraudulent documents. Deputies raided Libardi's granite countertop business in south central Phoenix and his Anthem home on June 30.
The Legal Arizona Workers Act allows the state to suspend or revoke the business licenses of employers who hire undocumented immigrants.
Business owner charged with identity theft
by Michael Kiefer - Jul. 9, 2009 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
An Anthem man who was arrested as part of an employer-sanctions investigation has been indicted on charges of fraud, identity theft, forgery and auto theft after it was discovered that he was using the Social Security number of a man who died in December.
Raphael Libardi, 48, a Brazilian officials say is in the country illegally, used the stolen number to start a business and purchase a home and two vehicles.
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas noted that it was the first time that a business owner had been charged after an employer-sanctions raid. But Thomas said that no actual employer-sanctions case can be made against Libardi for knowingly and willingly hiring illegal immigrants.
According to court documents, the Sheriff's Office received a tip in March that Libardi had fraudulent documents. Deputies raided Libardi's granite countertop business in south central Phoenix and his Anthem home on June 30.
The Legal Arizona Workers Act allows the state to suspend or revoke the business licenses of employers who hire undocumented immigrants.
