Fresno Truck Driver Arrested For $2.9M Cargo Theft, Handed Over To ICE

India-West News Desk

TOWANDA TOWNSHIP, PA -A Fresno truck driver is being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after Pennsylvania authorities accused him of stealing nearly $2.9 million worth of industrial material during a commercial shipment last month.

Deepak Kumar, 31, was arrested on theft charges in Pennsylvania before being transferred to McFarland, California, where he remains in ICE custody. The investigation began after a shipment belonging to Mitsubishi Materials Corporation went missing and was later traced to a commercial truck.

According to court records, Kumar was allegedly transporting 10 pallets of tungsten oxide powder valued at $2,857,500. The material is used in a range of industrial products, including lasers, optical equipment, ceramics, specialized glass and armor-piercing ammunition.

The shipment had been scheduled for pickup on June 24 but was delayed by a day. Company officials became concerned on June 26 after they were unable to contact the driver and reported the missing load.

Authorities located the truck on June 27 using a Flock camera system. Investigators said Kumar presented a valid California driver’s license, a fraudulent New York state driver’s license and an invalid work visa when questioned.

The theft case remains under investigation while Kumar continues to be held by ICE.