Israeli Man Arrested at PortMiami on Child Sex Abuse Material Charges

Miami, FL – An Israeli man, Basilios Grayeb, 29, of Haifa, was arrested at PortMiami on Monday, February 23, 2026, after authorities discovered a video depicting the sexual abuse of a young child on his cellphone. The arrest occurred as Grayeb disembarked from the Royal Caribbean ship, Freedom of the Seas.

Details of the Arrest

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiated the investigation following a “suspicious activity report” regarding Grayeb, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. CBP officers boarded the Freedom of the Seas to investigate. During a border search of Grayeb’s phone, an officer found a video showing the sexual assault of a girl believed to be under five years aged. Hoodline and The Jerusalem Post reported on the arrest.

Confession and Charges

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office stated that Grayeb confessed to the crime after being informed of his Miranda rights. He was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and is currently being held on a $2,500 bond. Federal authorities have also placed an immigration hold on Grayeb.

Previous Incidents at PortMiami

This is not the first instance of child exploitation material being discovered at PortMiami. In 2024, a cruise ship employee was arrested at the port after child sexual abuse material was found on their phone, highlighting the port’s role as a major international checkpoint where federal and local agencies collaborate.

Potential Federal Penalties

Cases involving child sexual abuse material often attract federal scrutiny and can be prosecuted in U.S. District Court.

Related Cases

In August 2025, a senior Israeli official fled the United States after being arrested on paedophilia charges, sparking debate over perceived Israeli impunity. Middle East Monitor reported on this separate incident.