In a startling incident that has raised serious security concerns, Sergey Vladimirovich Ochigava, a Russian-Israeli man, managed to board a Scandinavian Airlines flight from Copenhagen to Los Angeles without a passport, ticket or any record that would establish his presence on the flight. The mysterious case has prompted a thorough investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Ochigava's erratic actions on the flight drew immediate attention from the vigilant flight crew, who observed his peculiar behavior. Witnesses reported that he aimlessly wandered around the plane, frequently changed seats, and, surprisingly, requested two meals during each meal service. One member of the cabin crew said that it looked like Ochigava was trying to talk to other passengers on the flight, but most of the passengers ignored him.US based media outlet NBC News has disclosed that at one point, Ochigava even attempted to consume chocolates that belonged to the cabin crew.
Upon landing at Los Angeles International Airport, authorities discovered that Ochigava lacked both a passport and a visa. Initially providing false information, he claimed to have left his passport on the airplane. A subsequent search of his belongings revealed Russian and Israeli identification cards, but no passport.
Copenhagen Airport, where Ochigava reportedly entered without a valid ticket, is working closely with authorities to unravel the circumstances leading to this unprecedented security breach.The FBI has taken charge of the investigation, and Ochigava is currently in custody. If convicted of stowing away on an aircraft, he could face up to five years in prison under US law.
FBI Agent Caroline Walling shared details from an interview with Ochigava, revealing the suspect's confusion and apparent lack of sleep. Ochigava, a Ph.D. holder in economics and marketing, claimed uncertainty about his journey, mentioning a possible ticket but providing no clarity on how he boarded the plane or navigated security in Copenhagen.
Expressing serious concern about the breach, Copenhagen Airport acknowledged Ochigava's unauthorized entry. The investigation is going on, and further details may emerge as the case unfolds.
