Feds charge four as World Cup drone crackdown tops 400 seizures across US host cities nationwide
Four individuals have been charged federally for operating drones in prohibited airspace around FIFA World Cup venues in the United States. The FBI reports that more than 400 unauthorized drones have been seized across all 11 host cities since the tournament began. Authorities are emphasizing strict enforcement of temporary flight restrictions to prevent potential threats.
- ▪The suspects Huu An Nguyen Dinh, John Alexander Meza, Patrick Heer, and Jordan Lee Zale are accused of violating Temporary Flight Restrictions at World Cup sites.
- ▪The FBI’s Houston field office says it has confiscated over 400 drones from restricted zones in the 11 U.S. host cities.
- ▪Dinh reportedly received a police warning days before allegedly flying his drone into the prohibited area.
- ▪Federal officials used the charges to warn the public that drone operations near World Cup matches can result in criminal prosecution.
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Crime Feds charge four as World Cup drone crackdown tops 400 seizures across US host cities nationwide One suspect had been warned days before allegedly violating Temporary Flight Restrictions, according to the FBI By Stepheny Price Fox News Published June 26, 2026 7:09pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video FBI battles drones at World Cup venues Fox News anchor Jon Scott covers the FBI's battle to secure World Cup venues from drone threats after 19 drones were spotted in no-fly zones. Former FBI Special Agent Nicole Parker warns of federal charges for operators.
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