U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported Torsten Ew Torz, a 31-year-old Romanian citizen originally from Germany, who was wanted in France for identity theft and credit card fraud. ICE's Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris emphasized the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement, stating, "We continue to work closely with our international law enforcement partners to ensure foreign fugitives are held accountable for their crimes overseas."
Torz entered the United States without official admission or parole at an unspecified time and location. He was arrested by the Garden City Police Department in New York on December 19, 2023, on charges including grand larceny and possession of forged instruments.
The Paris Judicial Court issued an arrest warrant for Torz on March 25, 2024. The charges included “swindling carried out by an organized gang” and “involvement in a criminal conspiracy for the purpose of conceiving an offense punishable by 10 years of imprisonment.”
ICE apprehended Torz on October 16, 2024, after which he was detained at the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility in New Jersey pending removal proceedings. An immigration judge ordered his removal from the U.S. on November 19, 2024.
On January 21, Torz was handed over to Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office due to an outstanding warrant. The District Court of New York in Suffolk County convicted him for unlawful possession of a skimmer device intended for identity theft and sentenced him to time served. He returned to ICE custody on January 29 until his deportation.
The public is encouraged to report any related crimes or suspicious activities through the ICE Tip Line or online tip form.
For more information about ICE Newark’s mission in New Jersey communities, visit their social media page @ERONewark.
