A 36-year-old dual citizen of Tajikistan and Kazakhstan has been charged in the United States for allegedly organizing a migrant smuggling route that sent people from Russia and Central Asia through Mexico to reach the US border. Federal prosecutors say the accused ran the network from January 2022 to February 2025. Authorities allege he arranged travel to Mexico or South American nations, booked hotel accommodation along the route, and personally escorted migrants as far as Mexico City. The operation was disrupted after the accused was arrested in Egypt following an Interpol request, and then extradited to the United States. In Phoenix, Arizona, the accused faces a charge of conspiracy to illegally bring foreign nationals into the country. If convicted, he faces 5 to 15 years in prison. The defense position has not been made public. US authorities also flagged an internal records conflict, listing him as a dual citizen of Tajikistan and Kazakhstan despite neither country recognizing dual citizenship. The case remains at the charging stage, with the accused awaiting trial.