Washington CBP Seizes $29K in Unreported Currency

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Sterling, Va. — U.S. Customs and BorderProtection (CBP) officers at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) seized$29,000 Monday from a Ghanaian woman for violating federal currency reportingregulations.
The passenger, who arrived to Dullesfrom London, declared possessing less than $10,000. While examining her bags,CBP officers discovered a large sum of U.S. currency in a zippered compartmentof her handbag. The final count was $29,000.
There is no limit to how much currencytravelers can import or export; however federal law requires travelers toreport to CBP amounts exceeding $10,000 in U.S. dollars or equivalent foreigncurrency.
CBP officers seized the $29,000 andadvised the traveler how to petition for the return of her seized currency.
“Travelers who refuse to comply withfederal currency reporting requirements run the risk of having their currencyseized, and may potentially face criminal charges,” said Christopher Hess, CBPport director for the Port of Washington. “The traveler was given theopportunity to truthfully report her currency. The easiest way to hold on toyour money is to report it.”
In addition to narcotics interdiction,CBP routinely conducts inspection operations on arriving and departinginternational flights and intercepts currency, weapons, prohibited agricultureproducts or other illicit items.
Travelers are encouraged to visit CBP’sTravel website to learn rules governing travel to and from the U.S.
The Privacy Act prohibits releasing thetraveler’s name since she was not criminally charged.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection isthe unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security chargedwith the management, control, and protection of our Nation’s borders at andbetween the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists andterrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.