Chicago, Illinois - On April 11, 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers assigned to O’Hare International Airport intercepted one male subject concealing $107,360 during an Outbound Enforcement Operation.

The passenger was traveling alone on his way to Jordan. When asked, the passenger gave a currency declaration for monetary instruments in the amount of $20,000. However, during inspection of the subject’s carryon baggage, several sealed shirt bags were found and inspected revealing numerous bundles of $100 bills. When CBP Officers found the concealed currency, the subject stated he actually had $107,000.

CBP seized the money because the passenger failed to properly report he was traveling outside of the United States with more than $10,000 as required by 31 USC § 5316.

Passengers are reminded the transportation of currency of monetary instruments, regardless of the amount is legal. However, when entering or departing the U.S. in possession of monetary instruments of more than $10,000, you must file a report with U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP). The form that must be completed is a FinCEN Form 105, Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments (CMIR), which only takes a few moments to complete. The ability to seize unreported currency supports CBP’s mission to prevent international money laundering and narcotics trafficking.