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  4. CBP Stops Human Smuggling Attempt at Peace Bridge

CBP Stops Human Smuggling Attempt at Peace Bridge

Release Date
Fri, 06/01/2018

BUFFALO, N.Y.— Today, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers prevented a human smuggling attempt at the Peace Bridge, which resulted in the arrest of two individuals.

Peace Brige
Peace Bridge - Buffalo, New York

Around 1:45 a.m., CBP officers working at the Peace Bridge encountered a vehicle driven by Yehven Lysak, a 23-year-old U.S. Citizen.  Lysak stated that he was returning to his residence in Pennsylvania after visiting his girlfriend in Canada.  CBP officers noticed nervous behavior and performed a trunk inspection where they found Viktoria Tanasiv, a 21-year-old citizen of Ukraine

Lysak was arrested by Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations, and pled guilty to neglecting to assist a customs officer and released.

Tanasiv was arrested by Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations, fined and released to immigration authorities.

"This was an outstanding job by our front line officers," said Director Brophy. "Our officers possess keen observational skills and in this case, were able to determine that this driver and vehicle required further inspection. Human smuggling is a serious violation of U.S. law. We have a great working relationship with the United States Attorney's Office and Homeland Security Investigations, and we are glad they are our partners in combating Human Smuggling."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021