Two New Yorkers sentenced for illegal counterfeit passport operation

The scheme was part of a larger federal crackdown called Operation Take Back America.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:00am

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An extreme close-up of a shredded, partially burned U.S. passport cover reflecting the harsh light of a camera flash, conceptually representing the disruption of an illegal document forgery scheme.Federal authorities continue to disrupt illicit counterfeit passport operations that enable a range of criminal activities.Sherman Today

Two women from Brooklyn, New York have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an illegal counterfeit passport operation based in the Eastern District of Texas. Ciera Julieth Blas, 32, and Tiffany Monique Hines, 29, pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents as part of the scheme.

Why it matters

Counterfeit passport operations can enable a range of criminal activities, from human trafficking to terrorism. This case was part of a larger federal crackdown called Operation Take Back America that targeted such illicit document production.

The details

According to court documents, Blas and Hines were involved in manufacturing and distributing fraudulent U.S. passports, visas, and other identity documents. The two women obtained personal information from victims and then used that data to create the counterfeit documents, which were then sold on the black market.

  • Blas and Hines were sentenced on April 4, 2026.
  • The illegal passport operation was uncovered as part of the broader Operation Take Back America investigation.

The players

Ciera Julieth Blas

A 32-year-old woman from Brooklyn, New York who pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents as part of the counterfeit passport scheme.

Tiffany Monique Hines

A 29-year-old woman from Brooklyn, New York who also pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents as part of the counterfeit passport scheme.

Jay R. Combs

The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas who announced the sentencings.

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What they’re saying

“Counterfeit document operations enable a range of serious criminal activities that threaten public safety. This case demonstrates our commitment to disrupting these illicit networks and holding offenders accountable.”

— Jay R. Combs, U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Texas

What’s next

The defendants were sentenced to 30 months and 24 months in federal prison, respectively, and will be required to pay restitution.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal law enforcement to crack down on the production and distribution of fraudulent identity documents, which can enable a wide range of criminal activities that pose risks to public safety and national security.