Buffalo, N.Y. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrested three imposters in three unrelated incidents at Buffalo border crossings last week.

On Jan. 19, CBP officers encountered an individual at the Lewiston Bridge border crossing in Lewiston, N.Y. The subject presented a valid U.S. passport bearing a different name. Due to inconsistencies, CBP officers referred the subject for a secondary inspection.

During secondary inspection, CBP officers noticed discrepancies between the appearance of the traveler and the photo in the travel document presented. The subject’s fingerprints were taken and revealed her true identity as Forrester Vassell, a 45-year-old citizen of Jamaica. Vassell was arrested on charges of Misuse of a Passport and False Claim to U.S. Citizenship.

The second imposter was encountered on Jan. 25 at the Peace Bridge border crossing in Buffalo, N.Y. CBP officers noticed discrepancies between the individual’s appearance and the U.S. passport presented.

Secondary checks revealed the subject’s true identity as U.S. citizen Stanislav Yelizarov. CBP officers arrested Yelizarov on charges of Misuse of a Passport and Making False Statements.

A third imposter and his travel companion were also arrested last week. The imposter was arrested by CBP officers and charged with False Claim to U.S. Citizenship, Making False Statements, and Attempted Entry After Removal. The travel companion was also arrested and charged with Alien Smuggling and Making False Statements.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.