Indian truck driver with legal California driver’s license arrested for stealing $3 million worth of powder
An Indian citizen has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after authorities in Pennsylvania charged him with transporting nearly $3 million worth of stolen tungsten oxide powder, the New York Post reported.The suspect’s identity is Deepak KumarThe 31-year-old Fresno, Calif., man was arrested after investigators tracked a truck carrying 10 pallets of industrial materials that authorities said belonged to Mitsubishi Materials.The shipment was originally scheduled to be picked up on June 24, but was delayed by one day. Company officials called police on June 26 after being unable to contact the driver.
Track trucks using camera systems
Investigators found the truck the next day with the help of a Flock camera system, the New York Post reported.According to court records, Kumar allegedly presented officials with three forms of identification: an invalid work visa, a counterfeit New York driver’s license and a valid California driver’s license.He was arrested on theft-related charges and then transferred to McFarland, California, where he remains in ICE custody.Authorities said the stolen tungsten oxide powder was worth $2,857,500. The material is used in products such as armor-piercing ammunition, ceramics, lasers, optical equipment and high-tech window coatings.
California licensing policy draws criticism
The arrest reexamines California’s policy of allowing individuals with a federally issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to obtain a commercial driver’s license.Critics say the policy creates a loophole that allows some undocumented immigrants with temporary federal work authorization to legally obtain commercial driver’s licenses, the New York Post reported.Supporters of the policy insist, however, that eligibility depends on valid federal employment authorization, not just immigration status.
