CBP says 87 foreign cruise crew members removed in Boston operation
The agency cited alleged possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material in announcing the enforcement action at the Port of Boston.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said 87 foreign cruise-ship crew members were removed at the Port of Boston over alleged possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The enforcement effort, known as Operation Tidal Wave, began with actions in San Diego involving vessels including Disney Magic and Holland America’s MV Zandaam, according to the reported account. Additional phases later took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led Customs and Border Protection officers and Homeland Security Investigations agents to conduct coordinated ship boardings, the account said. Agency disclosures characterized in the report indicated that a significant share of targeted crew members allegedly acknowledged during interviews that they had handled or viewed illicit material.
Disney and Norwegian have said they cooperate fully with federal investigators and immediately terminate individuals implicated in such cases.