ID Theft Ring Uses Ill-Gotten Gains To Buy Apple Gift Cards

Five people accused of running an identity theft ring in New York City will face charges relating to a 394-count indictment for stealing personal information from hundreds of dental patients.

The theft ring was apparently led by former Apple Store employee Devin Bazile.

“The charges are very serious, and my client is planning to vigorously contest them,” Bazile’s lawyer Adam Freedman said in a phone interview. Bazile was arrested last month at JFK airport after returning from Dubai.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said yesterday (February 5) that the ring purchased over $700,000 worth of gift cards by exploiting the “instant credit” that Apple used to offer online in conjunction with Barclays Plc’s Barclaycard.  The thieves then used that credit to turn around and purchase the gift cards.

The prosecution further alleges that Bazile recruited other Apple sales associates to fraudulently gather and use names, addresses, birth dates and Social Security numbers that co-defendant Annie Vuong stole from more than 250 patients at a Manhattan dental office where she was a receptionist.

The ring operated mainly in 2012 but carried on its activities until about a month ago.

Four of the defendants live in New York City, though one of the five, Ahmeen Evans, 26, is from Stoughton, Massachusetts.

Though Bazile faces 394 felony counts, including grand larceny, identity theft and scheming to defraud, the other defendants are facing fewer charges – between 50 and 194 felony counts.

The Bronx defendants pleaded not guilty this week before state Supreme Court Justice Melissa Jackson.