CBP Dulles seized over $23,000 that was unlawfully structured and not reported. Below, the story from CBP, explains that the a man was leaving the United States for South Africa and reported only $9,000, when he really had more than $13,000. This is the second recent story about a cash seizure at Dulles for from someone traveling to South Africa.
To make matters worse, CBP discovered that he was traveling with his sister, who was carrying another $10,000 for her brother. At Dulles airport, a structuring offense means a hefty penalty even if legitimate source and intended use of the documentation is presented.
Here are the interesting parts of the story, as told from the perspective of CBP Dulles:
STERLING, Va. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO), at Washington Dulles International Airport seized over $23,000 from a South Africa-bound traveler on Thursday for violating federal currency reporting regulations.
During an outbound inspection, a CBP currency detection canine alerted to the carryon bags of a U.S. citizen. The man, both verbally and in writing, declared to CBP officers that he possessed $9,000; however, $13,267 was discovered in his bags and on his person. During the course of the inspection it was determined that he was traveling with his sister, a Ghanaian citizen. An additional $10,000 in unreported currency was found in her bags which the man stated belonged to him. The officers seized the $23,267, returned $667 to the man for humanitarian relief, and advised him how to petition for the return of the currency. The travelers were then released to continue their journey.
Did you structure cash seized by CBP?
If you structured cash that was seized by CBP, you really need a lawyer. Read our trusted customs money seizure legal guide and can contact us for a free cash seizure consultation by clicking the contact buttons on this page.