In September of 2023, The Fargo Police Department received a report of a potential counterfeiting operation in north Fargo that was responsible for selling fake I.D.’s. The FPD’s Criminal Investigation Division launched an investigation into the report. After obtaining several warrants to gather information, the FPD determined Blaise Bitz, a 19-year-old Fargo resident, sold over 500 fake I.D.’s to underaged individuals in the area, resulting in a profit of over $40,000.
On Wednesday, February 14, FPD officers executed a search warrant at Bitz’s residence in the 1200 block of 14th Ave. N. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of additional fake I.D.’s located inside the residence. Bitz was arrested for Felony Counterfeiting and Felony Illegal Control of an Enterprise.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski and Criminal Investigations Captain Bill Ahlfeldt will be available for interviews beginning 1:30 p.m. this afternoon, (Thursday, February 22) at the Fargo Police Department Headquarters located at 105 25th St. N. Please contact the FPD PIO Team at 701.515.8446 or FPDPIO@FargoND.gov to schedule an interview.