Ukrainian Man Pleads Guilty to Operating AI-Generated Fake ID Website

Post Views: 13

Ukrainian National Admits to Operating Website that Sold Counterfeit IDs

A Ukrainian national has admitted to operating a website that utilized artificial intelligence to generate and sell over 10,000 counterfeit identification documents, including passports, driver’s licenses, and Social Security cards.

The OnlyFake Platform

The 27-year-old defendant, Yurii Nazarenko, also known by several aliases, pleaded guilty to running the OnlyFake platform, which offered subscription-based access to AI-powered tools that produced realistic-looking fake IDs. The website allowed customers to customize the documents with personal details, opt for randomized information, and choose the desired appearance of the finished product.

According to the indictment, OnlyFake enabled customers to generate fake digital versions of U.S. driver’s licenses for all 50 states, U.S. passports, and passport cards, as well as identification documents for approximately 56 other countries. The primary purpose of these fake documents was to evade Know Your Customer (KYC) verification requirements at financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges.

Undercover Investigation and Arrest

Undercover FBI agents made multiple purchases from the OnlyFake website in 2024, obtaining fake New York state IDs, U.S. passports, and a Social Security card. The website only accepted cryptocurrency payments and offered bulk packages of up to 1,000 fake documents at a discounted rate.

Nazarenko attempted to conceal his involvement by routing cryptocurrency payments through multiple wallets and deleting emails after the website was reported on by a media outlet in February 2024.

“These fake IDs can be used to facilitate a range of serious crimes, including terrorism, hijackings, fraud, and money laundering,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.

Consequences and Sentencing

Nazarenko was extradited from Romania in September 2025 and has agreed to forfeit $1.2 million. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing in June 2026.

The case highlights the growing concern about the misuse of artificial intelligence for malicious purposes, including the creation and distribution of counterfeit documents. As AI technology continues to evolve, law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant in their efforts to combat these types of threats.