BVI MAN CHARGED WITH ALIEN SMUGGLING

St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Shamoy Frett, 22, of Tortola, BVI, was charged with bringing aliens to the United States for private financial gain.

According to court documents, on August 28, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m., U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations agents were patrolling United States when they observed a vessel operated by Frett crossing the international border from the British Virgin Islands into the United States Territory. The vessel did not display any navigational lights as required by law. Agents later observed the vessel travel to Haulover Bay where four individuals exited the vessel and headed up the Haulover Bay trailhead. The vessel then departed Haulover Bay and headed back towards Tortola, BVI. Agents attempted to stop the vessel by activating their blue lights and sirens, but Frett accelerated the vessel and failed to comply. Agents then disabled the vessel forcing it to come to a stop. Frett then jumped overboard and attempted to escape but was arrested a short time later. When questioned by agents, Frett admitted that he was paid $1,000.00 by a man in Tortola to smuggle the four illegal aliens to St. John.

This case is being investigated by Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, and U.S. Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne.

United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that a complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.