CBP takes US$53,800 undeclared cash from passenger flying to Kingston

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (CMC) — Officers with United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have confiscated more than US$53,800 in undeclared cash from a passenger leaving the United States for Kingston, Jamaica. The action occurred on July 1 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. CBP said the traveller was later taken into custody and faces a federal money-laundering charge.

“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 stressed that travellers may bring any amount of cash or monetary instruments into or out of the United States. What the law requires is disclosure: anyone moving more than US$10,000 must file FinCEN Form 105, the Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments.

The agency cautioned that not reporting the money, or giving a false declaration, can lead to forfeiture of the funds and to civil or criminal sanctions.

CBP said its outbound checks aim to stop bulk cash smuggling, narcotics trafficking, weapons smuggling, and other cross-border crime, while still allowing legitimate travel and commerce to proceed. The passenger’s name has not been made public.