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Ukrainian Arrested for Running $1.2M AI Fake ID Scheme

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Federal prosecutors in New York arrested Yurii Nazarenko, a 27-year-old Ukrainian, for running OnlyFake.
OnlyFake produced over 10,000 AI-generated fake IDs from 2021 to 2024 and accepted cryptocurrency.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said the scheme poses a national security risk by facilitating fraud, money laundering, and bypassing Know Your Customer checks.
Nazarenko faces up to 15 years in prison and forfeits $1.2 million.
Sentencing is set for June 26, 2026.

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Story summary

Federal prosecutors in New York arrested Yurii Nazarenko, a 27-year-old Ukrainian, for running OnlyFake.
OnlyFake produced over 10,000 AI-generated fake IDs from 2021 to 2024 and accepted cryptocurrency.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said the scheme poses a national security risk by facilitating fraud, money laundering, and bypassing Know Your Customer checks.
Nazarenko faces up to 15 years in prison and forfeits $1.2 million.
Sentencing is set for June 26, 2026.