Customs officers use new facial recognition technology to bust a man trying to enter the US illegally on someone else’s French passport – then find his Congo ID hidden in his shoe
- The 26-year-old man flew into Washington Dulles International Airport from Sao Paulo, Brazil on Wednesday
- Officers said he tried to enter the US illegally by using a fake French passport
- Authorities said facial comparison technology revealed the man was not the same person shown in the passport
- They soon discovered he was from the Republic of Congo and found his correct identification concealed in his shoe
Customs officers say they used new facial-recognition technology for the first time to bust a man trying to enter the US illegally by posing as a French resident.
The 26-year-old man flew into Washington Dulles International Airport from Sao Paulo, Brazil on Wednesday and tried to enter with the French passport.
Authorities said facial comparison technology revealed the man was not the same person shown in the passport.
The 26-year-old man flew into Washington Dulles International Airport from Brazil on Wednesday and tried to use a fake French passport. Officers later found his Republic of Congo ID hidden in his shoe
They soon discovered he was from the Republic of Congo and found his correct identification concealed in his shoe.
Customs officers said it was only the third day using the new facial comparison biometric system and he is the first impostor detected using the new technology.
The officer was able to confirm the man was not a match to the passport and passed him over for a comprehensive examination.
Officers said they then noticed the traveler’s behavior change and that he became ‘visibly nervous’, which prompted the search of his belongings and clothing.
Officers at the Washington airport said it was only the third day using the new facial comparison biometric system and he is the first impostor detected using the new technology
The identity of the man has not been revealed due to an ongoing investigation.
“Facial recognition technology is an important step forward for CBP in protecting the United States from all types of threats,” said Casey Durst, CBP’s Director of the Baltimore Field Office.
“Terrorists and criminals continually look for creative methods to enter the US including using stolen genuine documents. The new facial recognition technology virtually eliminates the ability for someone to use a genuine document that was issued to someone else.”
The Washington airport is one of 14 airports to launch the use of facial recognition technology to expedite the entry inspection process of arriving international passengers.
Advertisement