They are accused of organizing illegal migration. Two citizens of Tajikistan were arrested in the USA on charges of organizing illegal migration into the country. According to a statement released by David Metcalf, the district attorney of Pennsylvania, 30-year-old Behzod Rahmatov, residing in Mainville, Ohio, and 31-year-old Munis Khodzhiev, residing in Philadelphia, were detained by […]
They are accused of organizing illegal migration.
Two citizens of Tajikistan were arrested in the USA on charges of organizing illegal migration into the country.
According to a statement released by David Metcalf, the district attorney of Pennsylvania, 30-year-old Behzod Rahmatov, residing in Mainville, Ohio, and 31-year-old Munis Khodzhiev, residing in Philadelphia, were detained by law enforcement authorities.
According to the investigation, both arrived in the USA on the same day, having illegally entered the country. From 2022 to 2025, in collaboration with others, they organized a network for the illegal transportation of migrants. The investigation found that the suspects helped one person illegally cross the border and then received recommendations and instructions from him on organizing the entry of other migrants.
The state prosecutor’s statement also notes that both Tajik nationals produced counterfeit documents, including visas and passports, for monetary compensation, which migrants used to cross the border with Mexico and enter the USA.
The suspects or their lawyers have not yet commented on the charges.
The case against Rahmatov and Khodzhiev is being investigated by the FBI. If their guilt is proven in court, they face up to 10 years in prison.
According to media reports, approximately 16,000 Tajik nationals currently reside in the USA. From October 2020 to September 2024, about 825 of them were detained, of which 103 were held in custody and 88 were deported.