Ghanaian Woman Busted For Credit Card Fraud

Port Huron, MI, USA -- A Port Huron (Michigan) woman is facing felony charges as part of what police said is an international fraud ring that reaches at least 12 states and has roots in the African nation of Ghana.

The 41-year-old woman was arrested Monday after police executed a search warrant at her house in the 2600 block of Susan Court.

During the search, investigators seized about $5,000 in merchandise they said was bought online with stolen credit-card numbers and mailed to the home.

Since Monday, an additional $5,000 in merchandise being shipped to the house has been intercepted by local officials, Port Huron police Maj. James Carmody said.

The woman's arraignment date has not been set. She is expected to face charges of receiving and concealing stolen property and, possibly, fraud. Her identity was not released.

"Computers, home appliances, jewelry, shoes ... everything you can imagine (was seized)," Carmody said.

Carmody said the woman met with ringleaders in an Internet chat room and agreed to allow the illegally bought merchandise to be sent, via Federal Express or UPS, to her address.

In exchange, Carmody said, the woman kept part of the merchandise and forwarded the rest to Ghana, where officials believe the items likely are being sold on the black market.

The woman also may have used the stolen credit- card numbers herself to buy items, Carmody said.

Local investigators got word of the case July 31 after U.S. Customs contacted the Port Huron department about the frequent international mailings.

A customs spokesperson did not return phone calls Wednesday.

Police departments in Muskegon and Newaygo counties also are investigating similar cases, Carmody said.

He did not know Wednesday if other local people were involved. "This is still unfolding," he said.