ICE removes German brothers wanted in $2.76 million fraud scheme
FRANKFURT, Germany – Two German brothers who defrauded German banks out of more than $2.76 million in U.S. currency were removed from the U.S. June 16 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers in Los Angeles, California.
Jurgen and Bernhard Striegel were transferred into the custody of the German Federal Police upon their arrival in Germany June 17. According to an Interpol arrest warrant, both men participated in a vehicle fraud scheme that defrauded several banks out of approximately $2.76 million in U.S. currency.
Both brothers were admitted into the U.S. in February 2006 under the Visa Waiver Program with authorization to remain in the U.S. until May 2006, but failed to depart the country in accordance with the program.
“Time and time again, we’ve demonstrated our resolve in identifying and removing foreign fugitives who have tried to elude justice,” said Brian Casey, assistant attaché for removals in Germany. “These two brothers will now have to account for their alleged actions in a German court of law.”
In fiscal year 2014, ERO removed 315,943 individuals from the United States. In addition to convicted criminals, the agency's enforcement priorities include those apprehended while attempting to unlawfully enter the United States, illegal re-entrants – individuals who returned to the United States after being previously removed by ICE – and immigration fugitives. In fiscal year 2014, 98 percent of ICE removals met these priorities.
Updated: