Identity theft ring busted in Simi Valley; 3 arrested

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- Simi Valley police have arrested three people in connection to an identity theft ring.

The investigation began after one of the suspects, 38-year-old Hien Dinh, was arrested on drug-related charges in March. Detectives on that case discovered evidence of identity theft and credit card fraud at Dinh's home in Simi Valley.

Investigators said Dinh had co-conspirators who helped in the process of ordering and receiving merchandise over the Internet using stolen credit card information from hundreds of victims around the country.

Some of the information had been hacked from various websites and others had been stolen from a business in Moorpark and a hotel in Tarzana.

On Tuesday, detectives served search warrants at three locations in Simi Valley and arrested 37-year-old Chris Pham as well as 39-year-old David Harrington. Dinh has been in custody since his March 19 narcotics arrest.

Dinh, Pham and Harrington were charged with conspiracy, identity theft, forgery, grand theft, burglary, and receiving/possessing stolen property.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the case was asked to call Simi Valley Police Detective Josh Lorencz at (805) 583-6958.