Robert Hammer Acting Executive Associate Director, Homeland Security Investigations | U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement
Robert Hammer Acting Executive Associate Director, Homeland Security Investigations | U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement
A Canadian national has been charged with using an unmanned aircraft to take unauthorized photographs of defense installations in Florida. The individual, Xiao Guang Pan, 71, allegedly captured images at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base over three days in January 2025. The photographs included sensitive areas such as space launch complexes and munitions bunkers.
The charges are part of a broader investigation involving multiple agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to federal law, taking unauthorized photographs of vital defense installations is prohibited.
"Pan faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison on each count," the release said. The case is being handled by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Space Coast, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan is prosecuting the case.
The investigation also received support from several other agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA's Office of Inspector General.
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