Blaine, Wash. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the arrest of three persons at the Peace Arch port of entry attempting to flee to Romania and avoid criminal prosecution for alleged fraud in the U.S.
On July 28, CBP officers received notification from Canada Border Services Agency that 25-year-old John Pop, 27-year-old Virginia Talos and 31-year-old Cristian Talos were being refused entry into Canada and that the trio, all born in Romania, were attempting to gain access to a Romanian consulate and secure travel documents back to Europe.
The three were subjects of a federal investigation but had obtained pre-trial bond and had been released from custody. At the time they attempted entry into Canada they violated the conditions of that release. Upon returning back to the U.S., CBP officers immediately detained them and notified the local office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which obtained a bench warrant for their arrest.
"These arrests demonstrate the excellent and continuous working relationship between CBP and CBSA," said Area Port Director Greg Alvarez. "Closing loopholes through which criminals might flee helps keep communities on both sides of the border safer."
Agents from the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations responded to the Peace Arch port of entry and transported the subjects to the Whatcom County Jail.
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.