Operator of AI-Powered Fake ID Site OnlyFake Pleads Guilty
Summary
Yurii Nazarenko pleaded guilty to operating OnlyFake, which generated and sold over 10,000 counterfeit IDs. Prosecutors said customers used them to bypass KYC checks; Nazarenko agreed to forfeit $1.2 million and faces sentencing in 2026.
Key points
- Nazarenko admitted operating OnlyFake, a subscription site that generated counterfeit passports, driver’s licenses, and Social Security cards.
- The platform offered U.S. driver’s licenses for all 50 states and identification documents for roughly 56 other countries.
- Customers could customize document details and choose scan or tabletop-photo styles.
- Prosecutors said the documents were used to circumvent KYC checks at banks and cryptocurrency exchanges.
- Undercover FBI agents purchased fake New York IDs, U.S. passports, and a Social Security card from the site in 2024.
- Nazarenko was extradited from Romania, agreed to forfeit $1.2 million, and faces a maximum sentence of 15 years; sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2026.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Guilty plea for operating an AI-powered counterfeit-identification document website.
- Impact
- Yurii Nazarenko admitted operating OnlyFake, which generated and sold more than 10,000 counterfeit identity documents to customers worldwide. U.S. authorities said the documents were used to bypass KYC checks at banks and cryptocurrency exchanges. Undercover FBI agents purchased fake IDs, passports, and a Social Security card from the site.
People
James C. Barnacle Jr.FBI Assistant Director in Charge who commented on OnlyFake and its use to bypass regulations and launder money.Jay ClaytonU.S. Attorney who commented on the risks posed by OnlyFake's fraudulent identification documents.Yurii NazarenkoPleaded guilty to operating OnlyFake, a subscription website that generated and sold counterfeit identity documents.
Products
Countries
Romaniaauthorities say the platform was used to bypass KYC checks at banks and cryptocurrency exchanges; Nazarenko was extradited from Romania, agreed to forfeit $1.2 million, and faces up to 15 years in prison.United StatesU.S. authorities say the platform was used to bypass KYC checks at banks and cryptocurrency exchanges; Nazarenko was extradited from Romania, agreed to forfeit $1.2 million, and faces up to 15 years in prison.