Introduction
Cleveland, OH – September 30, 2025 — Federal authorities announced that an Ivorian citizen has been extradited to the United States to face charges connected to an international firearms trafficking conspiracy. The case involves dozens of illegally obtained weapons allegedly destined for Africa and highlights the role of coordinated international law enforcement in dismantling global smuggling operations.
Arrest and Extradition from Kenya
Bile Jean Philippe Assemian, 49, a citizen of Côte d’Ivoire, was extradited from Kenya after being arrested on June 26 by Kenyan authorities at the request of the United States. Following months of legal proceedings, he was formally surrendered under an extradition agreement and made his first appearance in U.S. District Court in Cleveland on September 26.
Authorities confirmed that Assemian’s arrest was made possible through extensive collaboration between U.S. and Kenyan agencies, including the Kenya Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Directorate of Immigration Services, Kenya Aviation Authority, and the Kenya Police Service, with additional support from the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Nairobi.
Alleged Smuggling Scheme
According to the superseding indictment, between November 2018 and October 2020, Assemian and his alleged co-conspirator, Koffi Andrea Versaint Taregue, 45, orchestrated the purchase and concealment of firearms across Northern Ohio and other parts of the United States.
Investigators say the men obtained at least 58 firearms, including rifles, pistols, and related components such as suppressors, either by purchasing them directly or through third-party buyers acting on their behalf. The weapons were then allegedly hidden in shipments of household goods before being delivered overseas through an export company.
Federal prosecutors allege that the shipments were deliberately misrepresented, with no disclosure of the firearms or parts inside, and that the defendants lacked the required licenses and approvals from the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Department of State to legally export such items.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Assemian is currently charged with conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States, an offense that carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison if convicted.
Taregue, who remains at large, faces far more extensive charges, including:
- Conspiracy to smuggle goods
- Six counts of smuggling goods from the United States
- Six counts of unlawful control of arms exports and imports
- Unlicensed dealing in firearms
- Making false statements to the FBI
- Making false statements during firearm purchases
If convicted on all counts, Taregue faces a maximum sentence of 205 years in prison. Authorities continue to search for him.
Officials’ Statements
The case was formally announced by U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio and FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen.
“The indictment alleges a calculated effort to acquire and smuggle firearms from our communities to overseas destinations without any lawful oversight or authorization,” Toepfer said. “Such conduct poses a direct threat to both U.S. national security and international stability.”
Nelsen emphasized the role of law enforcement collaboration:
“This investigation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with partners across borders to dismantle global trafficking networks. The extradition of Assemian shows that international fugitives cannot hide from justice.”
Context: Firearms Smuggling Threats
Authorities note that firearms smuggling cases pose a dual threat — undermining domestic firearms laws while fueling instability abroad. Experts warn that weapons trafficked from the United States to regions in Africa have been linked to armed conflicts, organized crime, and terrorist groups.
By concealing firearms in household shipments, traffickers not only bypass detection at U.S. ports but also exploit legitimate trade networks to channel weapons into areas where they can exacerbate violence.
Status of the Case
Assemian remains in federal custody as his case proceeds. Prosecutors confirmed that if convicted, sentencing will be determined by the court after reviewing factors such as prior criminal history, role in the offense, and the specific circumstances of the conspiracy.
Taregue, meanwhile, remains a fugitive. Federal authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the FBI Cleveland Division or local law enforcement.
