FBI Seizes 600-Plus World Cup Drones as Violators Face Up to $100,000 Fines
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 5
FBI Seizes 600-Plus World Cup Drones as Violators Face Up to $100,000 Fines
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 5
Summary
More than 600 drones have been seized over restricted US World Cup airspace since 10 June, with interceptions reported across all 11 host cities.
99 drones were captured in Miami, 77 in Atlanta and 63 in Dallas after the FBI and DHS enforced FAA temporary flight restrictions around stadiums and game-watch sites for three hours before and after matches.
Violations can bring civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, up to one year in prison and drone seizure; the FBI said it is using specialized teams and technology to track and intercept aircraft.
Dallas cases already led to charges against one man accused of flying during a match without an airman’s certificate and another tied to an unregistered drone, underscoring a broader security push backed by $625 million in FEMA support.