Two fake Mexican passports found in the luggage of Kaan Elmas, who was returning to the United States from Cancun, became the focus of a federal investigation. Federal court records say Elmas, a Turkish national who holds a Green Card in the United States, arrived at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on July 9.
A customs search found two Mexican passports hidden in the pocket of a pair of shorts in the luggage. An examination found that both documents were counterfeit. One passport was issued in the name of Cihan Omur Demiral, and the other in the name of Aslan Abubakarov.
The fake document presented Demiral as a Mexican citizen born in Boston. U.S. records identify him as a Turkish national born in Pendik, Istanbul. The case file also says Demiral had a valid U.S. visitor visa issued using a Turkish passport. The purpose for which the fake Mexican passport was intended to be used was not disclosed.
The scope of the investigation expanded after Elmas's phone was examined. Prosecutors say the device contained messages about preparing the documents, making payments and collecting them in Cancun.
Messages on Signal with an account named “Afonso SVPPB” allegedly discussed purchasing and delivering the fake documents. Prosecutors argue that the messages show Elmas knew about the documents in advance and played an active role in obtaining and transporting the passports. The identity of the account holder is unknown.
Elmas told authorities that he had obtained the passports for a friend. He said he received the documents in Cancun from a man he had never met before who was wearing a white T-shirt, outside a 7-Eleven.
The messages also referred to another person described as “Russian.” It has not been confirmed whether this person was Aslan Abubakarov, whose name appeared on the second fake passport.
A federal grand jury indicted Kaan Elmas on two separate charges on July 22. Prosecutors are investigating who produced the fake passports, whom they were prepared for and the identity of the document supplier in Cancun.
