Dulles CBP has made a few notable seizures recently. Dulles cash seizures always seem to hit the CBP news release cycle, and last week was no exception. CBP reported on the seizure of almost fifty-grand in cash from travelers leaving the United States, so here is the story:
CBP officers seized $29,698 from a Qatar-bound family Saturday. Officers explained the currency reporting regulations to the family and the father reported verbally and in writing that they possessed $14,000. The man presented an envelope that contained $10,000 and $4,000 in pocket cash. CBP officers then asked if he possessed additional currency, to which the man presented an additional $5,698. An examination of the wife’s purse resulted in the discovery of an additional $10,000. CBP officers returned $698 to the family and released them to continue their journey.
CBP officers seized $18,900 from a Ghana-bound man Tuesday. The traveler reported verbally and in writing that he possessed $12,000.  During an examination, CBP officers discovered the additional cash. Officers returned $500 to the traveler for humanitarian purposes and released him to continue his journey.
The original story says that everyone was a U.S. citizen, and non were criminally charged. In my experience, Dulles will likely say that both of these cases involved bulk cash smuggling, and therefore, they are able to keep at least 50% of the money that was seized according to CBP’s mitigation guidelines.
This Dulles cash seizure should also serve as a reminder to everyone that a report is required even when LEAVING the country, not just upon arrival. If you look closely, you’ll probably see signs in the airport containing notices about the reporting requirement.