On January 4, 2025, U.S. border guards detained a man attempting to illegally cross the border in the Rio Grande River area of ​​Texas. According to the American publication ValleyCentral, the detainee was identified as Timur Praliyev, a former citizen of Kazakhstan and a member of the Wagner PMC. The attempt to wade across the border was thwarted amid increased border patrols.

During the search, Praliev was found to be in possession of cash — $4000 US and 60 Mexican pesos (equivalent to $000). He was also found to have a drone and two passports: one Russian, the other Kazakh. The documents raised additional questions among investigators, as they could indicate his recent activities and connections.

During interrogation, the detainee admitted his guilt in illegally crossing the border and said that he had previously served in the Wagner PMC. This information attracted particular attention from US law enforcement agencies, given the organization’s role in various conflicts around the world. Praliev is being held in a federal prison and has been charged with violating US immigration laws.

The Wagner PMC has not yet commented on the events that took place on the border with the United States.