Federal Law Enforcement in North Rhine-Westphalia uncovers extensive counterfeiting operation - Iraqi woman apprehended at Cologne/Bonn airport with fraudulent identification documents

In a recent incident, a 34-year-old Iraqi national was arrested at Cologne/Bonn Airport on September 1st. The individual, who requested protection during the interrogation, was found to be in possession of a forged Swedish ID card.

The federal police (Bundespolicei) took the woman into custody after she entered Germany from Malta during a routine check. Expert document examiners from the federal police determined the ID card to be a complete forgery.

Upon completion of the initial police measures, the woman was released with a referral certificate for the reception center in Bochum. However, the federal police have initiated a criminal investigation into the matter, suspecting the woman of illegal residence, document forgery, and obtaining false official identification.

The federal police underscored the importance of their controls at German airports with this case. An Arabic-speaking interpreter was used during the interrogation to ensure clear communication.

Further inquiries can be made through the Federal Police Directorate Saint-Augustin Press Office. Additional information can be found on the Bundespolizei.de website or through the contact address provided.

The federal police also highlighted that, in cases where a person is suspected of crimes like illegal residence, document forgery, or identity fraud inside Germany, the local police (Landespolizei) and public prosecutor's office (Staatsanwaltschaft) take over the investigation.

The federal police prevented an illegal entry through their intervention, emphasising their commitment to maintaining the security of Germany's borders. The woman, despite her requests for protection, could not provide any further documents to prove her legal entry or stay in the federal territory.