The opinions expressed are those of David Hsu and do not necessarily reflect the views of the firm, its partners, or its clients. The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice on any subject. No recipient of content from this site, clients or otherwise, should act on the basis of any content in this site without seeking the appropriate legal or professional advice based on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an attorney licensed in the recipient's state.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), officers at Philadelphia International Airport seized $200,000 in unreported currency from a New Jersey traveler bound for Nigeria. Prior to the seizure, CBP Officers explained the currency reporting laws. Afterwards, the traveler declared to CBP he possessed $11,000. However, during a search of his baggage, officers discovered $200,068 in U.S. dollars and about $251.00 in Nigerian naira.
The total seizure of $200,319 represents the thrid largest unreported currency seizure since 2003. After seizing the funds, CBP remitted about $1,250 back to the traveler for “humanitarian purposes”.
If you have had your currency seized by CBP, contact currency seizure attorney David Hsu by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com, DH@GJATradeLaw.com.
According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) media release, officers at Dulles airport seived more than $45,000 during two separate currency seizures from individuals leaving the country. The first traveler was a U.S. citizen traveling to Ghana. This traveler initially reported $14,000, but closer inspection revealed over $20,404. In this instance, CBP returned $404 in “humanitarian relief” and released the traveler. The other seizure occurred when a dog alerted officials to a couple traveling to Egypt. The couple reported $15,000, but a subsequent search discovered over $26,403 – $1,043 of that which was returned to the couple as “humanitarian relief”.
Humanitarian relief is an amount CBP can return to the travelers, but is not required to do. The amount can vary and depends on the circumstances – such as the amount seized and the number of travelers.
If you or anyone you know has had their currency seized by Customs, contact David Hsu anytime by phone/text/email at: 832-896-6288, attorney.dave@yahoo.com. Don’t wait as time may run out on your ability to file a claim.
Image of hidden currency found in couple heading to Ghana, source: CBP.gov
According to a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) media release – officers at Dulles airport seized unreported currency from a couple traveling to Ghana. While at Dulles airport, the couple declared to CBP they both had a combined $10,500. However, upon subsequent inspection, CBP officers seized $23,641 – more than double the initial claim amount.
According to the media release – the carry-on bag contained an envelope concealed behind the carry-on bag. CBP seized the currency for violations of the currency reporting laws, but did provide the couple with $641 in cash for “humanitarian relief”.
From my experience – it is a lot harder to get a return of seized property when the currency was concealed. In the instant seizure, CBP reports the cash was concealed behind the carry on bag’s liner. We also see travelers who try to place $100 bills between pages of a book or magazine – when this happens, it is a lot harder to prove to Customs the travelers were not trying to evade currency reporting guidelines.
If you have had your cash seized, contact seizure attorney David Hsu by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com. Looking forward to hearing from you.
According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), CBP officers at Dulles airport seized about $46,628 in unreported currency from a man traveling to Cameroon. The random inspection occurred on outbound passengers on a flight to Brussels. CBP officers asked the individual how much money he was carrying – the traveler told Customs he had $30,000 and completed and signed a U.S. Treasury Department form (FINCEN 105).
Upon further inspection, CBP officers found a total of $46,628.00 and seized the entire amount. As you are aware, there is no limit how much cash you are bringing into or out of the US, the only requirement is for travelers to report currency $10,000 or greater.
According to the media release, the traveler “was not criminally charged”. This means CBP did not involve Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). If CBP brings involves HSI, then they believe your currency is related to criminal activity and you may need criminal counsel in addition to customs counsel.
If you have had your hard earned money seized by Customs, contact David Hsu by phone/text at anytime at 832-896-6288, or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com
CBP seized $46,628 in unreported currency from Cameroon-bound man. Source: CBP.gov
Image of seized Canadian currency; source: CBP.gov
In mid-August, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers in Tennessee searched a package labeled as containing books or brochures, belt buckles and jeans headed to Boston. Upon x-ray of the package, the x-ray image did not resemble brochures or clothing. When CBP officers opened the package, they found $25,000 in Canadian dollars, or about $19,657 in US dollars. The currency was seized because it was not reported.
All currency being taken into or out of the US, including by mail, containing more than $10,000 must be reported to Customs through use of the Fincen 105 currency reporting site or use of a paper copy.
If you have had your currency seized by Customs, contact David Hsu by phone/text at 832-896-6288 for immediate assistance. You can also email David at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.
According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) media release, CBP officers at the Larredo, Texas Juarez-Lincoln Bridge seized $91,000 in unreported currency from a 30-year old male US citizen headed to Mexico.
When the male driver’s 2017 Chevrolet Equinox was referred to secondary inspection, CBP found $91,116 in undeclared US currency. This press release indicates CBP turned the case over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
In general, if your currency case is referred from CBP to Homeland Security, they believe the source of the funds may be from illegal activity and you will need to prepare a very strong seizure petition if you want your currency returned (minus a remission fee).
If you have had your hard-earned currency seized, contact David Hsu for immediate assistance at 832-896-6288 by phone or text. You can also email anytime at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.
According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) media release, CBP officers in Dulles International Airport asked a female traveler heading to the Netherlands how much currency she was carrying. The Netherlands-bound traveler reported she was carrying $10,000 and also produced a completed FINCEN-105 form.
CBP officers asked her if she had additional and she responded she did not. However, upon a subsequent inspection, officers found a total of more than $47,000. Officers returned her $1,740 for humanitarian purposes and she continued on her trip.
Pro Tips for travelers:
If Customs ask if you are carrying over $10,000 in currency, it is because they already know you are carrying more than $10,000 in currency.
Be honest with Customs, you can carry more than $10,000, you just have to report it.
Don’t sign the FINCEN 105 form before you count the amount of currency you have. Count first, then sign.
If you get your currency seized, you have about 30 days, if you will be overseas – be sure someone will be able to access your physical mail to receive the “Notice of Seizure”
If you have had your hard-earned currency seized, contact customs seizure attorney David Hsu by phone/text for immediate help: 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.
Follow the Director of CBP’s Baltimore Field Office on Twitter at @DFOBaltimore and on Instagram at @dfobaltimore for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.
Image of $838k in seized currency, source: CBP.gov
According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) media release. CBP officers at the Roma, Texas Port of Entry seized more than $838,000 in unreported currency hidden in a vehicle heading out of the US.
As you are aware, all currency and monetary instruments $10,000 or more need to be reported. In this case, CBP officers seized stacks of cash totaling $838,481 in unreported currency concealed within a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado.
After seizing the currency – CBP referred the case to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI). In general, if your case is referred to HSI – then there is likely a criminal case.
If you have had your currency seized by Customs, contact our office immediately – there are time limits regarding the seizures – call or text David Hsu directly at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.
According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) media release, officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge Port of Entry seized over $46,000 in unreported currency.
The inspection occurred when travelers were leaving the US to Mexico. During a routine inspection, CBP officers discovered $46,000 in currency and also seized the vehicle. According to the media release – the traveler with the unreported currency was referred to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Author’s note – typically customs seizure of unreported currency are not referred out to HSI. If your currency seizure was referred to HSI, then Customs believes there is a criminal element to your seizure.
What’s the rule about traveling in and out of the country with currency? It is legal to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or other monetary instruments when entering or exiting the US (and even if you have a layover in a US airport with no intention of entering the US).
What happens if Customs suspects I am carrying more than $10,000 in currency? They will stop you and the party you are traveling with prior to boarding the plane. You will be given an opportunity to declare all currency and monetary instruments. You will be given a Fincen 105 form to sign. You must accurately state all the money you have. Once you sign the Fincen 105 form, CBP will search your belongings.
I received a “Notice of Seizure” and my currency was seized by CBP at the airport. What do I do? If you receive a “Notice of Seizure” sent Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested, then you must respond or risk forfeiting all the seized funds. Typically you have 30 days from the date of the letter to respond to the seizure.
If you get a notice of seizure or if your currency was seized by Customs, contact David Hsu by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.
According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) media release, the Office of Field Operations (OFO) in Laredo seized over $45,000 in undeclared currency in a single event over the weekend.
Officers seized the currency from a new 2020 Toyota Avalon traveling to Mexico during examination. A physical inspection revealed $45,147 in undeclared currency. As a result, the vehicle and cash was seized by CBP. In this instance, the vehicle, cash and seizure was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
In general, if your seized goods are referred to HSI, then there will likely be a criminal investigation into the seized goods.
If you have had your goods seized in the Port of Laredo or any of the over 400 ports of entry into the US, contact experienced seizure attorney David Hsu by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email attorney.dave@yahoo.com.
