200+ customs officers in US suspected of crimes, including violence and drug smuggling
Over 200 employees of the US Customs and Border Protection Service are suspected of committing crimes and offenses, including bribery, sexual violence, smuggling of prohibited substances, and the transportation of illegal immigrants, RIA Novosti reports
According to Newsweek, referring to the documents in its possession, the investigation is being conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility of the Customs and Border Protection Service. It refers to alleged wrongdoing committed in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Newsweek also reports on calls for the FBI to investigate information about possible violations of the law.
The publication reads that, according to official data, 211 employees of the US Customs and Border Protection Service faced accusations ranging from serious crimes such as drug smuggling to non-criminal misconduct. In particular, the documents describe 17 alleged cases of domestic violence, 11 cases of sexual violence, 10 cases of smuggling migrants across the border. Another 11 agents are being investigated for physical abuse of detainees, while 13 stand accused of association with criminal gangs. Allegations of crimes against children are also being investigated.
The Customs and Border Protection Service underlined that investigations are conducted carefully and under proper oversights, ensuring that appropriate action can be taken if and as needed, including working with law enforcement authorities.
