MINNEAPOLIS— On Monday, February 6, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) seized more than $26,000 from a passenger traveling to Vietnam.
CBP Officers encountered a passenger and inquired about his travel. The traveler reported he was traveling with $9,000. During the baggage exam, the CBP officer discovered a total of $26,000.
The CBP Officer explained to the traveler that there is no limit to how much currency or other monetary instruments that can enter or leave the country, however, any amount over $10,000, requires the completion of a U.S. Treasury Department of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments form (FINCEN 105). If not properly reported, it is subject to seizure under U.S. federal law [31 U.S.C. 5316]. In addition, travelers crossing U.S. borders are required to report all currency and other monetary instruments in their possession that exceeds $10,000 to a CBP officer. Read more aboutcurrency reporting requirements.
The traveler admitted to the CBP Officer he was not aware of the requirements. “International travelers must be truthful in reporting all currency in their possession to CBP officers when they arrive to or leave the United States,” said Augustine Moore, Area Port Director-Minnesota. “It is less painful to complete a simple form than it is to surrender all their currency for violating U.S. currency reporting laws.”
The consequences for violating U.S. currency reporting laws are severe; CBP officers can seize unreported currency, and travelers could potentially face criminal charges. An individual may petition for the return of seized currency but must prove that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.
“Customs and Border Protection wants to make clear that there is no limit to the amount of money that travelers may carry when crossing U.S. borders, we only ask that travelers be truthful with CBP officers and fully comply with federal currency reporting laws,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations, Chicago Field Office.
During inspections, CBP officers ensure that travelers fully understand federal currency reporting requirements and offer multiple opportunities to accurately report all currency and monetary instruments.
CBP officers have observed that unreported currency can be proceeds from illicit activities, such as financial fraud and narcotics smuggling, and work hard to disrupt the export of these illicit revenues.
CBP’s border security mission is led at 328 ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations. Please visit CBP Ports of Entry to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders. Learn more about CBP at www.CBP.gov.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.
I am a seasoned expert in the field of customs and border protection, with a deep understanding of the intricate regulations and procedures involved in international transportation of currency or monetary instruments. My expertise is grounded in extensive knowledge and experience, enabling me to shed light on the complexities of U.S. federal laws pertaining to currency reporting and seizures.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the provided article:
-
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
- CBP is a vital agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for managing, controlling, and protecting the nation's borders.
- It amalgamates customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection functions at official ports of entry.
-
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP):
- MSP serves as the backdrop for the incident described in the article.
- It is a major international airport located in Minnesota, USA.
-
Currency Reporting Requirements:
- The article emphasizes that there is no specific limit to the amount of currency or monetary instruments travelers can bring into or take out of the country.
- However, any amount exceeding $10,000 requires the completion of the FINCEN 105 form, mandated by the U.S. Treasury Department.
-
Seizure Under U.S. Federal Law:
- Unreported currency exceeding $10,000 is subject to seizure under U.S. federal law [31 U.S.C. 5316].
-
Consequences for Violation:
- Violations of U.S. currency reporting laws can lead to severe consequences, including the potential seizure of unreported currency and the possibility of facing criminal charges.
-
Petition for Return of Seized Currency:
- Individuals have the right to petition for the return of seized currency but must provide evidence that the source and intended use of the currency were legitimate.
-
Role of CBP Officers:
- CBP officers play a crucial role in ensuring travelers understand and comply with federal currency reporting requirements.
- They offer multiple opportunities for accurate reporting and actively work to disrupt the export of illicit revenues, such as those from financial fraud and narcotics smuggling.
-
Director's Statements:
- Augustine Moore, Area Port Director-Minnesota, emphasizes the importance of truthfully reporting all currency to CBP officers.
- LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations, Chicago Field Office, underscores that there is no limit to the amount of money travelers can carry, as long as they comply with federal currency reporting laws.
In conclusion, this incident at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport highlights the significance of adhering to U.S. currency reporting laws and the role CBP plays in enforcing these regulations to maintain border security.
