Greenbelt, MD – Hussain Abdullah, 39, of Forestville, Maryland, is headed to federal prison for five years after being convicted of masterminding a sophisticated credit card fraud ring that preyed on unsuspecting victims. U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel handed down the sentence today, along with a three-year supervised release period, and a hefty $225,588 restitution order.
Abdullah wasn’t just stealing numbers; he was building identities. From October 2014 to July 2016, he fabricated fake driver’s licenses using stolen personal identifying information (PII), then distributed them to a network of co-conspirators, including Shazad Khan, Patricia Lynn Hiter, and James Edward Foster. These fake IDs were the key to unlocking instant credit lines at retail stores, allowing the crew to walk out with electronics, jewelry, and gift cards – all purchased with money that wasn’t theirs.
The Secret Service, along with the Montgomery and Prince George’s County Police Departments, brought the operation crashing down. Agents arrested Abdullah in Philadelphia on September 30, 2016, recovering a .45/.410 caliber handgun in his luggage. The firearm, stolen during a Virginia home invasion, was just another layer of illegality – Abdullah was already a convicted felon prohibited from possessing weapons. A subsequent search of his Baltimore residence revealed a digital treasure trove of victim data: a thumb drive containing information on nearly 800 individuals, 187 fake ID templates, and blank identification card stock.
The scope of the fraud was significant. Investigators determined the total loss to card issuers exceeded $225,000, impacting at least 65 victims, most of whom resided in Maryland. The investigation broadened, revealing approximately 1,000 potential victims whose information may have been compromised. Authorities found a laptop and phone at Abdullah’s residence containing the names of 32 victims.
Abdullah wasn’t working alone. James Edward Foster, 61, of Woodbridge, Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, receiving a 16-month prison sentence and a $100,180.44 restitution order. Patricia Lynn Hiter, 51, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, also copped a plea and was sentenced to 16 months behind bars, plus $51,454.44 in restitution. Additional co-defendants, including Bland Shivers, age 50, are also facing consequences for their involvement.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning emphasized the seriousness of the crime. “This sentence sends a clear message that we will aggressively prosecute those who steal identities and commit financial fraud,” he stated. Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Ebert of the Secret Service added that the case highlights the agency’s commitment to protecting the financial infrastructure and citizens from these types of crimes.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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