An Indian national is in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after authorities in Pennsylvania accused him of transporting nearly $3 million worth of stolen tungsten oxide powder, The New York Post reported.The suspect, identified as Deepak Kumar, 31, of Fresno, California, was arrested after investigators tracked a truck carrying 10 pallets of the industrial material, which authorities said belonged to Mitsubishi Materials Corporation.The shipment was scheduled to be picked up on June 24, but was delayed by a day. Company officials alerted police after they were unable to contact the driver on June 26.
Truck tracked using camera system
According to The New York Post, investigators located the truck the following day with the help of a Flock camera system.According to court records, Kumar allegedly presented officers with three forms of identification — an invalid work visa, a fraudulent New York state driver’s licence and a valid California driver’s licence.He was arrested on theft-related charges before being transferred to McFarland, California, where he remains in ICE custody.Authorities said the stolen tungsten oxide powder was valued at $2,857,500. The material is used in products including armour-piercing ammunition, ceramics, lasers, optical equipment and high-tech window coatings.
California licensing policy draws criticism
The arrest has renewed scrutiny of California’s policy allowing individuals with federally issued Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to obtain commercial driver’s licences.According to the New York Post, critics argue that the policy has created a loophole by enabling some undocumented immigrants with temporary federal work authorisation to legally obtain commercial driving licences.Supporters of the policy, however, have maintained that eligibility is based on valid federal employment authorisation rather than immigration status alone.
