# Transnational identity fraud and trafficking in Colombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/transnational-identity-fraud-and-trafficking-in-colombia
> Updated: 2026-09-21T18:50:31.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

Colombian authorities dismantled a transnational criminal organization known as ‘Apócrifo’ that specialized in migrant trafficking and the fraudulent acquisition of Colombian identities. Through simultaneous operations in Bogotá, Barranquilla, and Neiva, law enforcement arrested 15 individuals.

The group included three officials from the Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil and a staff member from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These officials allegedly used institutional databases to facilitate the irregular issuance of birth certificates, national ID cards (cédulas), and passports, primarily targeting citizens from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

Investigation details reveal the network offered service packages ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, covering document management, transportation, and lodging. These fraudulent documents were used to allow foreign nationals to travel to Spain and other Schengen Area countries without visas, or in some cases, to the United States. 

Following the discovery of at least 40 cases involving Dominican citizens, the Registraduría has canceled 43 citizenship IDs obtained through these irregular means. The operation was a coordinated effort involving the Colombian Prosecutor General's Office, the National Police, Migración Colombia, and diplomatic security services from the United States and Spain.

## Claims

- A transnational criminal network was dismantled for migrant trafficking and fraudulent identity acquisition. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Fifteen people were arrested in simultaneous operations in Bogotá, Barranquilla, and Neiva. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Three officials from the Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil were among those captured. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The Registraduría canceled 43 citizenship IDs obtained through irregular procedures. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The network sold Colombian passports to Dominican citizens for $2,000 to $5,000 to facilitate entry into Spain and the Schengen Area. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Authorities identified 40 cases of Dominicans who began fraudulent procedures in Colombia. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Colombia dismantles transnational migrant trafficking and identity fraud network

A transnational criminal network, ‘Apócrifo’, has been dismantled in Colombia. The group used fraudulent documents and corrupt officials to help migrants from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela reach Europe.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-dismantles-transnational-migrant-trafficking-and-identity-fraud-ring

### 2026-09-17: Migración Colombia expels man impersonating priest in Medellín

Migración Colombia expelled a foreign national in Medellín who impersonated a priest to solicit money from drivers by offering vehicle blessings, causing traffic disruptions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/migracin-colombia-expels-man-impersonating-priest-in-medelln

---
Cite as: Transnational identity fraud and trafficking in Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/transnational-identity-fraud-and-trafficking-in-colombia