KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 34-year-old businessman has been charged after allegedly trying to enter the country with US$270,580 (J$42.8 million) in his luggage

Shawn Walker, a business operator from Crawford District, St Elizabeth, has been arrested and charged with several breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), including: failure to report to the designated authority the transportation of cash into or out of, possession of criminal property, and concealment of criminal property.

According to the Financial Investigations Division, Walker arrived in Jamaica on Sunday on a United Airlines Flight from New Jersey in the USA.

During routine customs control activities, customs officers detected abnormalities in his luggage, which led to further checks and a manual search.

The search reportedly revealed a large quantity of United States currency concealed in 28 sealed boxes of bath soap. When the boxes were opened and the cash was counted, the total amounted to US$270,580.

Walker reportedly produced documents which could not sufficiently prove that the cash was legally obtained by him.

Following a question-and-answer session conducted on Monday, June 8, 2026, by officers from the Constabulary Financial Unit in the presence of his attorney, Donnovan Collins, Walker was subsequently charged and remanded in custody

He is scheduled to appear before the St James Parish Court on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:00 am

Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations at the FID, Keith Darien, said “This matter demonstrates the importance of vigilance at Jamaica’s ports of entry and the continued collaboration among agencies involved in detecting and investigating suspected financial crime, including our strategic partners at the Jamaica Customs Agency.

“The FID remains committed to protecting Jamaica’s financial system from abuse, and citizens also have an important role to play. We urge businesses and travellers alike to use the formal banking system and to comply fully with all declaration requirements,” he added

Meanwhile, Director of Investigations at the Jamaica Customs Agency, Cassell Dunkley, echoed Darien’s sentiments, noting: “The seizure on Sunday underscores the importance of collaboration; and the Jamaica Customs Agency, along with the Financial Investigations Division, continues to collaborate in protecting our borders and our financial industry. We remain resolute and collaborative in working together to protect our borders.”

Under the POCA, carrying cash across borders is legal; however, travellers must declare any amount over US$10,000, or its equivalent, and must be able to verify its source and purpose.

Meanwhile, the FID is reminding the public that charges are allegations and that the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.