U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a federal search at Buckeye Fire Equipment Company in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, on June 25. This operation was part of an ongoing criminal investigation focusing on allegations of aggravated identity theft and other potential federal crimes.
The search resulted in the arrest of 30 individuals at the site. "This operation underscores HSI’s unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of our nation’s financial and identification systems," stated Cardell T. Morant, HSI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge for North and South Carolina. He emphasized that identity fraud is not without victims as it fuels various criminal activities and endangers innocent people.
The operation involved multiple agencies including ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, IRS Criminal Investigations, Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General, North Carolina National Guard, DEA, ATF, King's Mountain Police Department, Gaston County Sheriff's Department, and Gaston County Police Department.
Members of the public with information about financial crimes are encouraged to contact law enforcement through an online tip form to help protect vulnerable individuals and ensure accountability.
Further updates from HSI can be followed on their social media platform X under @HSI_Charlotte.
