BMW worth approximately $100K recovered at the Peace Bridge

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Buffalo, Peace Bridge border crossing, arrested a United States citizen who was driving a vehicle that was reported stolen.

Yesterday, CBP officers encountered Mokhtar Kazemi, a 33-year-old U.S. citizen, driving a 2023 BMW XM who was traveling to Canada. At the U.S. outbound inspection area, CBP officers identified discrepancies with the Vehicle Identification Number located underneath the vehicle’s windshield. The driver and vehicle were subsequently sent to the secondary inspection area for further examination.

During the secondary examination, CBP officers confirmed through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) that the BMW was a match to a vehicle that had been reported stolen in Baltimore, Maryland, this past May.

“Thanks to the outstanding work of our CBP officers and their strict attention to detail, a stolen vehicle was recovered and will be returned to its rightful owner” said Acting Area Port Director Sharon Swiatek. “Their quick action prevented the illegal export of stolen property and reinforces our commitment to secure our borders and support our law enforcement partners.”

The driver was taken into custody and subsequently processed by CBP officers. After processing, the driver and vehicle were turned over to the New York State Police to face felony stolen vehicle charges.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.