Organised crime and terrorism are global; as such, there is a need for rapid and clandestine mobility. Criminals must travel extensively, not only to build overseas relationships, but also to transport commodities, such as narcotics. Terrorists too must also travel to coordinate activities with allies, to train, to raise money, or acquire political support, they also must travel to carry out terrorist operations.
A terrorist or criminal can travel as a "normal" passenger in order to remain anonymous. Forged passports and fake identity papers assist in this, and the skill to manufacture or alter such documents is highly prized. It is reasonable to conclude that identity fraud facilitates the international movement of criminals. It is reasonable to further conclude that it facilitates movement of international terrorists. Thousands of blank passports are lost annually to corruption, theft, or loss. To international terrorists or criminals passports of visa-waiver participating nations are most desirable because they receive less scrutiny at the border.
A New Zealand example is a case prior to the 2000 Sydney Olympics. As part of an investigation into alleged human smuggling operations in Auckland, Police found what was described as a 'virtual command centre' for possible terrorist attacks in Australia. Detailed maps were found, suggesting that the group intended to attack a small nuclear facility in Sydney. Some group members had New Zealand passports, which could then be used for easy entry into Australia. Police speculated that the New Zealand passports were preferred because they tend not to arouse suspicion18.
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18 Paul J Smith, Jane's Intelligence Review July 1, 2001