Special agents nab child pornography suspect attempting to flee the US

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested an Arizona child pornography suspect Tuesday at the Albuquerque airport as he attempted to flee the U.S. destined for his native Jordan.

Samir Wadi, 41, of Sedona, was taken into custody just prior to boarding an outbound flight. Investigators noted that the defendant, who was free on bond awaiting trial on child pornography charges in Yavapai County, was traveling with a large amount of luggage and left his luxury vehicle unlocked in the airport parking lot with the keys inside.

The child pornography charges against Wadi stem from a joint investigation by HSI special agents in Flagstaff and the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office. After obtaining a federal arrest warrant for Wadi from the U.S. District Court, HSI Flagstaff contacted HSI special agents in New Mexico, who made the arrest. HSI is now working with the U.S. Marshals Service to arrange for Wadi's return to Arizona for trial.

This case is another example of the ongoing collaborative efforts involving HSI and local law enforcement to target individuals in Yavapai County who are sexually exploiting minors.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.

For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI's Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page.