Press Releases
We respond to media requests and queries through our Office of Public Affairs (OPA).
We respond to media requests and queries through our Office of Public Affairs (OPA). Reporters and journalists can contact us about HSI activities, operations, or policies at (202) 732-4646 or email HSImedia@hsi.dhs.gov.
HSI Washington, D.C. Investigation Leads to Arrest of Turkish National for Alleged Conspiracy to Violate Venezuelan Sanctions
WASHINGTON — An HSI Washington, D.C. investigation led to the arrest of 37-year-old Turkish national Taskin Torlak. Torlak has been charged with conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions as part of a scheme to transport oil from Venezuela for the benefit of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A.
HSI Tucson, Multiagency Investigation Yields in the Arrests of 3 Men in Connection With Methamphetamine Drug Conspiracy
TUCSON, Ariz. — Three men were arrested by the Arizona Strike Force for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and the distribution of methamphetamine.
CBP Officer Sent to Prison for Receiving Bribes to Allow Drug-Laden Vehicles and Unauthorized Immigrants to Enter the US
SAN DIEGO — A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was sentenced to 23 years in prison for accepting bribes to allow unauthorized migrants and vehicles containing methamphetamine and other illicit drugs to pass through the border into the U.S.
Human Smuggler With Ties to Criminal Organization Responsible for Smuggling Over 50,000 Noncitizens Into US Sentenced
VICTORIA, Texas — A Mexican national with ties to a human smuggling organization responsible for smuggling more than 50,000 noncitizens into the United States was sentenced Nov. 4 to 42 months in federal prison for conspiring to smuggle noncitizens into the country.
HSI Investigation Leads to 50-Year Sentence for Maine Registered Sex Offender for Child Sexual Abuse Material Offenses
BANGOR, Maine — A West Gardiner man was sentenced Nov. 5 after an investigation by HSI and the Maine State Police led to charges for transporting, receiving, distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material, as well as failing to register as a sex offender.
2 Men Face Federal Charges in Rhode Island for Grandparent Scams That Targeted Elderly Victims Across Multiple States
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Two men were charged in federal court Nov. 1 for their alleged roles as couriers in grandparent scams that targeted seniors in multiple states including Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
HSI Seattle Operation Leads to 12 Indictments in Connection With Violent Drug Trafficking Organization
SEATTLE — A coordinated law enforcement operation led by HSI Seattle Oct. 31 resulted in eleven arrests of members of a drug trafficking ring which set up shop in the University District of Seattle.
HSI and Partners Announce Return of $1.8 Million Stolen During Business Email Compromise Scam
MANCHESTER, N.H. — HSI and the Londonderry Police Department announced that approximately $1.8 million in stolen funds have successfully been recovered and returned after a business email compromise illegally diverted the fund to Chinese bank accounts controlled by the thieves.
2 National MS-13 Gang Leaders, Other MS-13 Members and Associates Indicted for Local Murders
NEW YORK — A 49-count superseding indictment filed on Nov. 4 includes new charges relating to murders allegedly ordered and committed by national leaders, members and associates of the violent transnational criminal organization La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13.
Human Smuggling Organizer Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Human Smuggling and Money Laundering
DEL RIO, Texas — The leader of a human smuggling organization was sentenced in a federal court to 30 years for human smuggling and money following an investigation conducted by HSI and law enforcement partners.