US Customs seizes over US$53,000 in undeclared cash from Jamaica-bound passenger
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (CMC) — United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have seized more than US$53,800 in undeclared currency from an outbound traveller headed to Kingston, Jamaica.
The seizure took place on July 1 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. According to the CBP, the traveller was later arrested and charged federally with money laundering.
“CBP officers were inspecting passengers departing on a flight destined for Kingston, Jamaica,” CBP said. “Although the traveller declared they were not carrying currency, officers discovered and verified US$53,800 in US currency.”
“Homeland Security Investigations responded to the scene, and the individual was arrested,” it added. “Federal prosecutors accepted charges for money laundering under Title 18, US Code, Section 1956.”
Daniel Alonso, director of field operations for CBP’s Miami and Tampa Field Office, said: “Criminal organisations often rely on bulk cash smuggling to move illicit proceeds across international borders.”
“CBP officers remain vigilant in identifying these violations and work closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt transnational criminal activity while protecting the integrity of our nation’s borders,” he added.
CBP emphasised that there is no limit to the amount of currency or monetary instruments travellers may carry into or out of the United States. However, anyone transporting more than US$10,000 must declare the funds by filing a FinCEN Form 105, officially known as the Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments.
The agency warned that failing to report currency or filing a false declaration can result in the seizure of the funds as well as civil or criminal penalties.
According to CBP, its outbound enforcement efforts focus on intercepting bulk cash smuggling, narcotics trafficking, weapons smuggling, and other forms of transnational criminal activity, while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.
Authorities have not released the identity of the passenger.
