News Summary
A 49-year-old Virginia Beach man, Fard Shaheed Matthews, was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Norfolk cruise terminal on felony charges of forcible rape and sexual battery. His identity was confirmed during routine passenger vetting, leading to his apprehension before boarding a cruise. This incident underscores CBP’s collaboration with local law enforcement in apprehending fugitives and their ongoing efforts to tackle crime, including vehicle theft recoveries at the Port of Virginia.
Norfolk, Virginia – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers arrested a Virginia Beach man on Saturday at the Norfolk cruise terminal. Fard Shaheed Matthews, 49, was taken into custody on outstanding felony charges of forcible rape and sexual battery just before he was set to board a cruise ship.
CBP officers identified Matthews during the passenger vetting process, which is conducted routinely as travelers prepare to board ships. His identity was confirmed, and an active warrant for his arrest was verified with the Norfolk Police Department. Following his arrest, Matthews was handed over to the local police for further processing.
Keri Brady, acting area port director for Norfolk-Newport News, underscored the collaborative role that CBP plays in supporting local law enforcement by identifying fugitives before they can escape justice. Regular screenings against law enforcement databases, such as the National Crime Information Center, are part of the thorough checks carried out by CBP officers.
This arrest is one of the many operations CBP engages in, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying and apprehending individuals with warrants. In addition to apprehending fugitives, CBP has been successful in intercepting stolen vehicles at the Port of Virginia, with over $6.5 million worth of stolen cars accounted for in fiscal year 2025 alone.
A recent operation highlighted the agency’s vigilance in tackling vehicle theft. CBP officers opened a shipping container flagged by agents, revealing it contained stolen cars intended for shipment to Ghana. Initially, the shipping documents indicated the container held older vehicle models, but X-ray scans disclosed the presence of newer 2024 models instead. The estimated value of the stolen vehicles recovered from this operation was over $150,000.
Criminal organizations, particularly those involved in vehicle theft, often target rental car facilities and vehicles purchased using fake identification papers. Vehicles taken from dealerships and not returned rental cars, as well as those acquired through fraudulent means, are frequent targets of these syndicates. CBP officials have pointed out that tackling car theft remains a significant challenge due to the ever-evolving nature and scale of these criminal operations.
The agency’s Outbound Enforcement Team has expressed concerns that while arrests are made, new criminal organizations quickly emerge to fill the void left by apprehended individuals. During various operations, CBP has not only recovered stolen vehicles but also discovered contraband, including firearms hidden within them. This highlights the interconnected nature of vehicle theft and other criminal activities.
As of the current fiscal year, CBP has successfully recovered over 1,100 stolen vehicles across the nation, with the Port of Virginia ranking second in terms of such recoveries, following New York. The agency’s ongoing efforts to combat vehicle theft and its associated challenges reflect a broader commitment to maintaining safety and security within transportation systems.
The arrest of Fard Shaheed Matthews showcases the critical role CBP officers play in safeguarding communities and collaborating with local law enforcement to address serious criminal issues. As operations continue, both CBP and local law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their efforts to protect the public and uphold the law.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: Man Arrested at Norfolk Cruise Terminal
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- WAVY: New Facility for U.S. Customs and Border Protection Coming to ORF
- Google Search: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- WTKR: Customs and Border Protection Officers Stop Trade of Stolen Vehicles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Customs and Border Protection
- 13 News Now: Customs and Border Patrol Bust International Stolen Car Operation
- Google News: Vehicle Theft Operations
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VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
