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  4. Dulles CBP Intercepts Cameroon Impostor Illegally Immigrating to the U.S.

Dulles CBP Intercepts Cameroon Impostor Illegally Immigrating to the U.S.

Release Date
Thu, 03/01/2018

STERLING, Va. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a male Cameroon impostor posing as a South African national at Washington Dulles International Airport Friday.

CBP is withholding the man’s name because he was not criminally charged.

CBP officer

The man, 26 years old, arrived on a flight from Turkey.  He presented a South Africa passport and U.S. travel visa under the name of a South African citizen to a CBP officer for admission into the United States.  The CBP officer suspected the man to be an impostor and referred the man to a secondary examination.

During secondary questioning, CBP officers detected a West African accent.  Officers then discovered receipts in the man’s baggage under a different man’s name.

The traveler admitted that he is Cameroon, that he moved to South Africa several years ago for work, and that he purchased the South African passport and U.S travel visa.  The traveler was ordered removed and faces a five-year ban from returning to the U.S.

“Customs and Border Protection reminds travelers that intentionally violating United States’ immigration laws face severe consequences, including in this case, a long-term refusal from returning to the U.S., and potential criminal prosecution,” said Daniel Mattina, CBP Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington Dulles.  “There are legal ways to travel or immigrate to the United States and using another person’s travel documents isn’t one of those lawful ways.”

Travelers are encouraged to visit CBP’s Travel website to learn more about the CBP admissions process and rules governing travel to and from the U.S.

“Customs and Border Protection officers ensure that inbound and outbound travelers and cargo comply with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations in order to protect our nation, our citizens and our economy from all potential threats,” said Casey Owen Durst, Director, CBP’s Field Operations Director in Baltimore.  “CBP’s border enforcement authority is one way in which CBP contributes to our nation’s security, and it’s a responsibility that CBP takes seriously.”

CBP’s Office of Field Operations

Almost a million times each day, CBP officers welcome international travelers into the U.S.  In screening both foreign visitors and returning U.S. citizens, CBP uses a variety of techniques to intercept narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products, and to assure that global tourism remains safe and strong. 

Learn more about what CBP did during "A Typical Day" in 2017.

CBP's border security mission is led at ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations.  Please visit CBP Ports of Entry to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.

Learn more about CBP at CBP.gov.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021