Former Russian Mercenary Arrested After Illegal Border Crossing

A former Russian mercenary linked to the Wagner Group was arrested Saturday after illegally crossing the Rio Grande near Roma, Texas. Timur Praliev, carrying two passports, $4,000, and a drone, was apprehended by Border Patrol agents, authorities revealed Tuesday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan, speaking at Praliev's initial court appearance in McAllen, confirmed his admission to being a Wagner Group member, according to the Border Report. The paramilitary organization, tied to the Russian government, has been accused of widespread atrocities, including mass executions and child abductions, particularly in Africa, according to the U.S. Treasury Department says, which refers to it as a criminal organization.

Praliev, who identified himself as a Kazakh citizen, also had 60,000 pesos in his possession. Agents discovered the drone in his backpack, though his intentions remain unclear.

Charged with illegally entering the United States, Praliev pleaded guilty. McColgan pushed for a 15-day sentence, citing community safety concerns due to his Wagner Group ties. "Because of his association with a group associated with political violence," McColgan said, adding that his background raised questions about his purpose in crossing the border.

Federal Public Defender Darrell Lee Bryan argued for time served, downplaying the Wagner Group's role as comparable to U.S.-based private military companies like Blackwater. U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker ultimately sentenced Praliev to time served but indicated he would remain in federal custody pending further proceedings.

Judge Hacker acknowledged broader concerns about Praliev's motives but emphasized the limits of the case at hand. "I think the government is concerned of why you're here to begin with. I don't know, necessarily, why you're here to begin with," Hacker said through an interpreter.

When invited to address the court, Praliev simply replied: "Nyet." "We're going to remand you into custody. Buena suerte," Hacker said, according to the outlet, telling the interpreter: "You can translate Spanish to Russian."

Praliev's case has added scrutiny to the potential security risks posed by individuals associated with controversial organizations crossing into the United States. Authorities have not disclosed details of his role in the Wagner Group or his intentions upon entering the country.