CBP holds Jamaica-bound traveller after finding US$53,800 undeclared at Fort Lauderdale

United States border officers have detained a traveller headed for Kingston after allegedly finding more than US$53,800 in cash that had not been declared at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that the passenger was stopped on July 1 as they prepared to board a Jamaica-bound flight. Officers inspecting outbound travellers said the person stated they were carrying no currency, yet a subsequent search allegedly turned up US$53,800 in cash.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) attended the airport after the find, and the traveller was taken into custody on federal money-laundering allegations. Prosecutors have since taken up charges under Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1956, the statute covering money laundering. Authorities have not named the passenger.

Daniel Alonso, Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Miami and Tampa Field Office, said bulk cash movements remain a common method for criminal networks to shift illegal earnings across borders. "CBP officers remain vigilant in identifying these violations and work closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt transnational criminal activity while protecting the integrity of our nation's borders," Alonso said.

CBP also reminded travellers that there is no ceiling on how much money they may bring into or take out of the United States, but sums above US$10,000 must be reported on a FinCEN Form 105. The agency cautioned that withholding a declaration, or filing a false one, can lead to seizure of the funds and civil or criminal sanctions.