A Canadian truck driver could face a decade in prison after he was caught attempting to smuggle a man into the U.S. by officers at a New York Port of Entry.
Khvicha Chalisuri, 63, pleaded guilty to bringing an alien to the U.S., according to a September 23 release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
Officials say that on June 24, 2026, Chalisuri was driving a commercial truck when he approached the Peace Bridge Port of Entry in Buffalo, New York, seeking entry into the U.S.
When agents asked Chalisuri if anyone else was in the truck, he said no.
The truck was referred for an X-ray scan.
The X-ray revealed a person standing inside the sleeper berth area. The man was identified as Alexandru-Stefanita Iordache of Romania.
“When questioned, Chalisuri claimed that Iordache was his codriver and that he was sleeping in the truck. However, Iordache was not listed on the manifest and was not presented to officers for inspection,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Iordache was removed from the truck.
Officials determined that Iordache was living in Canada and had no authorization to enter the U.S.
Iordache has been convicted and sentenced in this case.
Chalisuri, who is described as a native of Georgia and a Canadian citizen, faces up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine.
