Boston Man Charged In Alleged Identity Theft Scam

A Boston man is facing arraignment in what authorities say was an extensive scheme to use fake credit cards and identities to buy smartphones and high-end electronics for resale.

Attorney General Martha Coakley says 36-year-old Shahab "David" Yousheei is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Boston Municipal Court on charges including identity theft, credit card fraud and possession of counterfeit money. It's not immediately known who is representing him.

Coakley said Yousheei operated a shop in Downtown Crossing and led a group that used stolen identities to open new mobile phone accounts and buy discounted smartphones and high-end electronics. The items were re-sold for higher prices. They also allegedly used fake credit cards and counterfeit money.

She said Yousheei was arrested Thursday in an undercover sting by state police and the U.S. Secret Service.