A Dulles airport money seizure by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) resulted in a seizure of $43,000 from a U.S. Citizen returning from Ethiopia at Dulles airport. The money seizure occurred even though he reported traveling with more than $30,000 to CBP at Dulles, because his report of $30,000 was inaccurate. Even if you report having more than $10,000, the report must be accurate or your money will be seized (read “Responding to a Customs Money Seizure” HERE). He failed to report an additional $13,015 that he was in his baggage, which in the end, cost him $43,015. To get the seized money back from CBP at Dulles he will need to prove it came from a legitimate source and that it had a legitimate intended use. If he gets his money back he will face a penalty for this violation of the currency reporting regulations.
STERLING, Va. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) at Washington Dulles International Airport seized more than $43,000 from a
U.S. citizen Sunday for violating federal currency reporting regulations.
The man arrived on a flight from Ethiopia and presented a CBP Declaration form declaring that he was in possession of $30,000. A CBP officer referred him for a secondary inspection where he completed a U.S. Treasury Department form reporting $30,000. During a baggage examination, a CBP officer found an additional $13,015 for a total of $43,015. CBP officers seized the $43,015 and advised the traveler how to petition for the return of the currency.
There is no limit to how much currency travelers can import or export; however federal law requires travelers to report to CBP amounts exceeding $10,000 in U.S. dollars or equivalent foreign currency.
“Travelers who refuse to comply with federal currency reporting requirements run the risk of having their currency seized, and may potentially face criminal charges,” said Wayne Biondi, CBP Area Port Director for the Port of Washington. “The traveler was given the opportunity to truthfully report his currency. The easiest way to hold on to your money is to report it.”
Last week we reported on two Dulles airport money seizures. Neither of these individuals were arrested, but the government has 5 years to make criminally charges. Our customs law firm handles Dulles airport money seizures made by customs and at other airports in Detroit and around the country.
If you’ve experienced a Dulles airport money seizure, you can learn more from our trusted customs money seizure legal guide and can contact us for a free currency seizure consultation by clicking the contact buttons on this page.