U.S. Border Patrol apprehended a former mercenary on Saturday after he unlawfully crossed the Rio Grande near Roma in Texas.
According to Border Report, Timur Praliev, who previously served with Russia's notorious Wagner Group, crossed the Rio Grande on foot, carrying two passports, $4,000 and a drone.
Newsweek has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for further comment via email outside of normal office hours.
Why It Matters
Border security was a core component of President-elect Donald Trump's election campaign.
Trump has pledged to carry out the largest mass deportation program in U.S. history.
Praliev was a member of the Wagner Group, which has been a critical component in Russia's war against Ukraine, providing weapons and soldiers to the front, many of whom are former convicts pardoned in exchange for fighting in Ukraine.
The U.S. Treasury Department classifies the Wagner Group, which was founded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, as a criminal organization.
What To Know
When questioned by agents, Praliev claimed to be "a citizen and national of Kazakhstan," according to the criminal complaint filed against him.
Praliev was discovered with a Russian passport, a Kazakh passport, $4,000, and 60,000 pesos.
Border Patrol agents discovered a drone inside his backpack.
It remains unclear at this stage what Praliev specifically did for the Wagner Group or why he crossed the U.S.-Mexico border carrying a drone.
The Congressional Research Service reported that Wagner "has played a key role in Russia's war in Ukraine and operates in multiple countries, particularly across Africa."
Border Patrol charged Praliev with illegally entering the U.S., a federal misdemeanor, to which he pleaded guilty.
Praliev appeared before a judge at the federal courthouse in McAllen, Texas, on Tuesday.
Federal prosecutor McColgan requested a 15-day sentence, expressing concern for community safety upon the defendant's release because of his ties to a group linked to political violence.
U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker questioned whether Praliev's connection to the Wagner Group warranted the length of his sentence for illegally crossing the border. He also stated that, instead of being released, Praliev would remain in federal custody following the completion of his sentence.
What People Are Saying
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan said on Tuesday morning: "The defendant was also in possession of a drone in his backpack when he crossed into the United States and he admitted, when interviewed, to being a member of the Wagner Group."
U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker, addressing Praliev said: "They just did a pit stop here to lay a record. So that if there's a second conviction for illegal entry, they can seek stronger punishment.
"I think the government is concerned of why you're here to begin with. I don't know, necessarily, why you're here to begin with.
"The point is, I don't think the punishment of time served versus 15 days is going to necessarily alter your decision of what you do in the future."
The Treasury Department said in a press release published in January 2023: "Wagner Group personnel have engaged in an ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity, including mass executions, rape, child abductions, and other brutalities."
What Happens Next
Praliev was sentenced to time served after pleading guilty to illegal entry. The judge ordered him to remain in custody post-sentence because of concerns over his ties to the Wagner Group. U.S. authorities are still investigating his motives and connections to the group.
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