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March 22, 2002 Disappearance of Four Crewmen The Washington District of the Immigration and Naturalization Service is currently investigating the disappearance of four Pakistani crewmen from the vessel Progreso in the Port of Norfolk, VA. Contrary to current rumors, a check of INS and other databases shows no evidence at this time that the individuals are in any way connected to criminal or terrorist groups. The vessel’s shipping company notified the INS of the disappearance of the four individuals after the ship departed Norfolk, on Monday, March 18, bound for Savannah, GA. When the vessel arrived in Norfolk, Immigration Inspectors checked the crewmembers’ documents and determined that none of the crewmembers were the subjects of any criminal or terrorist lookouts. One of the four individuals did have a record in INS systems for having applied for admission to the United States at an earlier date. The record showed that the individual voluntarily withdrew his application when evidence he produced to support his application could not be verified. The INS’ Norfolk Office has assigned special agents to the case. Investigators are working closely with other federal agencies, state and local police departments to apprehend the individuals. Upon arrival in Savannah the INS revoked the shore passes of all other crewmen on the vessel. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Norfolk office of the INS at (757) 858-7502. - INS - |
Last Modified 02/20/2003