Trucking Company Owned by Undocumented Immigrant Collected Taxpayer Money Before Fatal Crash

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

Picture this: a semi‑truck on U.S. Highway 20 in Indiana, traffic is stopped, something goes wrong—and a 54‑year‑old motorist is dead. The driver of the semi? Borko Stankovic, an undocumented immigrant, allegedly driving without a valid commercial driver’s licence.
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Here’s the twist: two companies he owned reportedly received over $36,000 in forgiven COVID‐era loans from taxpayers via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) just before the crash.
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This story hits trucking, regulation, immigration, and taxpayer risk—all at once.

Key Points

The crash and driver – Stankovic was driving a semi when traffic stopped; he allegedly made a hard evasive turn into opposite traffic and collided with a Subaru, killing the driver.
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Legal/immigration status – He reportedly has been in the U.S. illegally since his non‐immigrant visa expired in 2011.
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CDL issues – Authorities state he did not have a valid CDL, and instead had a suspended relative’s licence.
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Taxpayer funding – Two companies he owned (Eclipse Trucking Inc. and ESD Team Inc.) received a combined $36,082 in PPP loans that were forgiven.
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Public concern – Advocates say this raises questions about oversight of both immigration and federal business aid programs.
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Multiple Perspectives

From a trucker safety viewpoint – This case highlights what drivers say is a weak link: under‑licensed or under‑trained individuals driving heavy rigs. If someone doesn’t have proper credentials, the risk to everyone else rises.

From an immigration/regulation viewpoint – Supporters of stricter enforcement argue this example shows undocumented individuals gaining access to commercial driving and taxpayer funds, then being involved in fatal accidents.

From a policy/federal aid viewpoint – Critics of PPP oversight say this illustrates gaps in verifying business legitimacy, especially when owner status, immigration status, or operational legitimacy of trucking firms is questionable.

From a counter‐argument viewpoint – Skeptics might point out that each case deserves individual examination: Was the driver exclusively the owner? Was the company safely operated? They may argue against broad generalisations about immigrant drivers or PPP programs without deeper data.

Industry Response

There’s growing talk among trucking industry groups that licensing and verification

standards need to be stronger—whether for immigration status, CDL validity, or company legitimacy.
Also, federal highway safety enforcement and immigration enforcement are intersecting more. For example, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has flagged such cases as part of driver qualification concerns.
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Trucking safety advocates are saying: When you mix weak oversight + large vehicles + taxpayer subsidies, you create a volatile mix.

What This Means for Truckers & Owner‐Operators

For full‑time drivers: Keep in mind that regulatory scrutiny may increase. You’ll likely see more audits, more licensing checks, more pressure from insurers and regulators. Being fully legal and documented is not just paperwork—it’s a safety shield.

For small fleets / owner‑operators: If you’re hiring drivers or using sub‐contracts, this story underscores the importance of compliance. A bad actor in your chain can damage your reputation, increase your liability, and raise insurance costs.

For anyone considering entering trucking: This is a reminder: the rules matter. Licences, training, legal status—these aren’t optional. Getting in with shortcuts may cost you later.

For policymakers & tax‑payers: Federal programs like PPP were designed for relief—but when funded companies operate in high‑risk sectors (like heavy trucking) with minimal oversight, the stakes rise dramatically.

Bottom Line

This story isn’t just about one crash—it’s a flashpoint. It ties together immigration, federal aid, driver licensing, and trucking safety. For those on the roads, it puts a spotlight on why the rules matter, and what happens when the system’s gaps are exploited.
For the industry, it’s a wake‑up call: compliance, training, proper documentation = serious business. Because when a rig is 80,000 lbs and hurtling down a highway, the margin for error is near zero.

If you’re a driver watching this unfold—know this: don’t assume “I’ll just get by.” The future of the profession is leaning heavily into safe, documented, and legitimate operations. And if you’re driving now, one of your best bets is making sure you control your side income—and protect your future.

👉 While you’re still on the road, maybe you want to start building up an off‑duty income stream so you’re not solely reliant on freight loads, rates, or compliance issues. Check out OffDutyMoney.com
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