CBP Seizure of $27k at Philadelphia Airport

“Avoid an airport customs money seizure by telling the truth.” That should be the headline of this Philadelphia CBP news release which again proves the importance of correctly declaring and reporting cash and monetary instruments valued at over $10,000 being transported into or out of the United States. Let’s have a look at the always-interesting-facts in this currency seizure story to see what the person did wrong that caused this encounter to end up as another customs airport money seizure:

PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized $27,427 from a Canadian woman for violating federal currency reporting regulations Customs Airport Money SeizureSept. 21 at Philadelphia International Airport.

The woman, whose name is not being released because she was not criminally charged, arrived from Madrid, Spain en route to Canada. The woman reported multiple times, verbally and in writing, that she possessed 8,000 Euros. During a baggage examination, CBP officers discovered 20,975 Euros ($26,911 U.S. equivalency), 270 Canadian dollars ($246 U.S. equivalency) and $516 in U.S. dollars for a combined $27,673 in equivalent U.S. dollars. CBP seized $27,427 and returned the Canadian currency to the woman for humanitarian purposes.

There is no limit to how much currency travelers may bring to, or take from the U.S.; 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.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers permitted this traveler multiple opportunities to truthfully report all currency in her possession. Hopefully, this is a lesson to all travelers that the easiest way to hold on to their currency is to truthfully report it all to a CBP officer,” said Susan Stranieri, CBP Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia.

So you can see the cause of this was lying or not knowing how much you were transporting, and sticking to your story. If you don’t know how much you are transporting, you should ask the officer to let you count it. But… if you have had money seized by customs call our office at  (734) 855-4999 or CONTACT US BY CLICKING HERE to speak to a customs lawyer. We are able to assist with cash seized by customs nationwide, including Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.

Please read these other articles about money seizures by customs:

  1. Seizure of currency and monetary instruments by U.S. Customs
  2. Seizure for bulk cash smuggling into or out of the U.S.
  3. Structuring currency imports and exports
  4. Is it $10,000 per person?  Under what circumstances is filing a report with Customs for transporting more than $10,000 required?
  5. Criminal & civil penalties for failing to report monetary instrument transportation
  6. Is only cash currency subject to seizure by Customs?
  7. How do I get my seized money back from customs?
  8. Getting money seized by U.S. Customs back while staying overseas
  9. How long does it take Customs to decide a petition for a currency/monetary instrument seizure?
  10. Targeted Enforcement for Customs Money Seizures