Computers match truck drivers' faces to bust license fraud in NJ, NY

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Some advanced technology helped nab three commercial drivers who allegedly held licenses in both New York and New Jersey.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shared facial recognition technology to determine that the drivers possessed licenses in each state under different names, dates of birth and social security numbers. The New York DMV announced Monday that this marks the first time two states have used facial recognition technology to combat license fraud and identity theft across state lines.

The New York DMV said facial recognition allows the department to deter fraud, combat identify theft and enhance public safety, and that more arrests should be anticipated as a result of the inter-state program.

Each driver has been charged with filing false instruments and falsifying business records, both of which are felonies, according to the department.

Authorities found that Magdy H. Elsheimy, 60, of Ridgedale Park, New Jersey, also held a valid license in New York under the name Magdy Moustafa. He was allegedly splitting convictions and tickets between records.

Sidibe D. Sekou, 53, of the Bronx, had a valid commercial license in New Jersey under the name Sekoudit G. Sidibe while he also had a suspended license in New York, authorities said.

Jhon M. Gomez, of New York City had his license suspended in New Jersey after being convicted of a DWI, but obtained a license in New York without mentioning the suspension, authorities said.

According to data from the State University of New York's Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, drivers with multiple licenses are far more likely to be involved in a crash, at a rate of 66.5 percent vs. 42.6 percent of all drivers. About 50 percent of drivers with multiple license records are reportedly suspended or revoked under at least one name.