FBI seized more than 600 drones near World Cup events

The FBI says it has seized more than 600 drones near FIFA World Cup sites after authorities determined the devices violated restricted airspace since the tournament began on June 11. The total number of seized drones nationwide has doubled in less than two weeks.

The FBI, along with accredited operators from local and state law enforcement around the country, is monitoring drone activity near World Cup competitions and related fan fest events.

The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the airspace, and drone owners are responsible for knowing and abiding by those restrictions. Most of the violations have resulted in ticketed citations and seizures.

As NBC has previously reported, the FBI is leading the counter-drone efforts in conjunction with federal, state and local partners.

A DHS agent, seen from behind, looking up toward a drone in the sky. — Law enforcement officials responding to reports of an unauthorized drone outside Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. last month.Caroline Brehman / Bloomberg via Getty Images

In Kansas City, there have been 32 drone seizures outside World Cup events so far.

“Not only is flying drones in TFR zones illegal, it’s dangerous. My office is committed to keeping our community and visitors safe by keeping our skies drone-free,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price. “If you see a drone breaking the rules, report it. If you are flying an illegal drone, think twice because violators will be held accountable by the Department of Justice.”

In another case in Dallas from mid-June, a Honduran national was charged by federal authorities for piloting an unregistered drone around Dallas Stadium (known as AT&T Stadium) in violation of federal law, while a temporary flight restriction was in place.

Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, 33, was charged with owning an unregistered aircraft that was operated by another person. Flores Ordonez is being detained pending trial.

Details of the case demonstrate how the FBI detects drones and then mitigates the threat. Flores Ordonez allegedly flew his unregistered drone, a DJI Mini 3 PRO, in the flight-restricted airspace around Dallas Stadium while a game was in progress.

The FBI detected the drone, and within seconds a task force officer located and contacted the individual piloting the aircraft.

Three hours before each World Cup match there, is a no-fly drone zone. Those restrictions last three hours after the match concludes.

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