The Canada Border Services Agency seized $38,060 from an outbound traveller at the Calgary International Airport on January 15, 2015.
Officers were conducting routine outbound checks and spoke to one traveller who was en route to the Middle East. The traveller declared that he was travelling with $9,000 and officers referred him for a more in-depth examination. They subsequently uncovered that there was actually $18,060 in the man’s jacket and carry-on luggage and an additional undeclared $20,000 packed with his checked belongings. All of the currency was cash in the form of Canadian $20 bills.
The man had a low level of income in comparison to the large sum of cash in his possession, and was unable to demonstrate to officers that he had legitimately obtained the money. Officers seized the cash as suspected proceeds of crime under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act with no terms of release.
The investigation is ongoing. CBSA officers continue to watch for high-risk travellers leaving the country who may not be in compliance with Canadian law.
Quick Facts
- In 2014, CBSA officers in Calgary seized more than $376,000 in suspected proceeds of crime in 20 incidents. This is in addition to the 140 people who failed to declare more than $2 million in currency as required.
- On December 8, 2014, CBSA officers made a similar seizure at the Calgary International Airport, seizing $84,439 in suspected proceeds of crime from a traveller.
- Currency and other monetary instruments valued at $10,000 or more must be reported ‒ failure to do so may result in seizure action.
Quote
“The CBSA not only stops dangerous goods from entering Canada, but also prevents funds from leaving to potentially support illegal activities overseas. The number of these seizures in Calgary is a direct result of our officers’ diligence in protecting national security.”
Nina Patel, District Director, Prairie Region, CBSA
Associated Links
Cross-border currency reporting
Contact
Lisa White, Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
PrairieMedia@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
403-292-4011
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