Sergey Vladimirovich Ochigava, a 46-year-old Russian, embarked on an unusual journey that took him from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Los Angeles, United States, without a passport or ticket. Ochigava arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on November 4, on a Scandinavian Airlines flight, but his name was not on the passenger list of that or any other international flight arriving.

Ochigava’s case drew attention from authorities when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer could not find his name on the flight manifest. A complaint was then filed on November 6 in the federal court of Los Angeles.

After a three-day trial, the jury in the court found Ochigava guilty of being a stowaway on an aircraft. He now faces a maximum sentence of five years in a federal prison, with the sentencing scheduled for February 5, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Ochigava entered a terminal at Copenhagen Airport in Denmark and provided false and misleading information about his trip to the United States. Initially, he told CBP that he had left his U.S. passport on the plane. The complaint also mentioned that Ochigava claimed not to have slept for three days and not to understand what was happening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

– Who is Sergey Vladimirovich Ochigava?
Sergey Vladimirovich Ochigava is a 46-year-old Russian who was found guilty of being a stowaway on an aircraft after flying from Copenhagen to Los Angeles without a passport or ticket.

– What happened to Ochigava?
Ochigava was tried and found guilty of being a stowaway on an aircraft. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in a federal prison.

– What does it mean to be a stowaway on an aircraft?
Being a stowaway on an aircraft means boarding and traveling on a plane without the permission or knowledge of the relevant authorities. This usually involves not having a valid ticket or passport.

Glossary

– Stowaway: A person who hides in a vehicle (in this case, an aircraft) to travel without the knowledge or permission of authorities.
– Flight manifest: An official list of all passengers and crew aboard a flight.
– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): The largest federal law enforcement agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. immigration and trade laws.
– Prosecutor: A lawyer who represents the state in a criminal case.