Fake FBI, CIA, AFP badges prompt impersonation charge

Fake badges and IDs linked to the Australian Federal Police, US Secret Service, CIA and FBI have led to charges against a former businessman.

The investigation was launched after a member of the public gave a fake AFP badge and ID to Bondi police in Sydney on September 23.

Traces of cocaine were found on identification that led officers to the address of a 50-year-old man from Double Bay on Friday.

They found hats and T-shirts bearing the AFP insignia, as well as fake badges and IDs purporting to belong to various law enforcement agencies and jurisdictions, including the U.S. Secret Service, CIA and FBI.

In addition, four firearms, 11 gel explosives, a large amount of steroids and 14 grams of cocaine were seized.

The man was charged with one count of possessing a prohibited firearm, one count of supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited medication and one count of impersonating a state public official.

He was expected to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and would face a maximum sentence of two years in prison for the impersonation offence.

The man was described in other media reports as a property developer who was given a two-year ban from managing companies last year.

AFP Detective Inspector Peter Fogarty said impersonating public officials and potentially misusing police identity and insignia was a serious offence.

“Falsely identifying yourself as any law enforcement or public official creates a real danger to public safety,” he said.