Prosecutions and Seizures

Niagara/Fort Erie Region

Seizure of $168,000 U.S. in cash at Queenston Bridge

Niagara Falls, Ontario, July 5, 2005 - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that on June 29, 2005, CBSA officers at the Queenston Bridge seized $168,000 in undeclared U.S. currency (approximately equivalent to $206,640 CAN).

During a secondary examination, CBSA officers found the undeclared U.S. currency concealed in the rear, side-panel storage compartment of a vehicle driven by a 30-year-old male from Elmont, New York.

Under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, currency or monetary instruments valued at $10,000 CAN or more must be reported at the border when brought in or taken out of Canada. These new reporting requirements came into effect on January 6, 2003. Under the Act, currency and monetary instruments of $10,000 CAN or more must be reported even though there are no restrictions on the amount of money that can be brought in or taken out of Canada. Failure to make a proper report can result in seizure of the money or in the assessment of an administrative penalty ranging from $200 to $5,000.

Since the beginning of January 2005, $1,914,315 CAN was seized by CBSA officers of the Niagara -- Fort Erie Region under the Act. In 2004, $4,517,733 CAN was seized, and in 2003, $3,518,384 CAN was seized.

The Act requires that all seized currency or monetary instruments be transferred to Public Works and Government Services Canada, Seized Property Management Division. The CBSA cannot reveal the name of the person involved at this time as the individual has the right to appeal the seizure.

More information on the reporting requirements for cross-border movements of currency is available at the CBSA Web site.

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