CBP Cash Seizure Over $78K in Unreported Currency at Brownsville Border: What You Need to Know
If you are currently facing a CBP cash seizure for bulk unreported currency, contact San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation at (619) 258-8888. Attorney Dan Smith has over 35 years of experience in federal defense. Our office offers payment plans and contingency fees, where we do not receive payment until you win.
During a recent outbound inspection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge seized more than $78,000 in unreported U.S. currency.
Although it is legal to drive across the border with any sum of cash, you must declare any amount over $10,000 using the FinCEN Form 105.
According to CBP’s press release:
The seizure took place on Friday, May 30, when CBP officers working at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge encountered a 31-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a 2018 BMW which was selected for a routine outbound inspection. In secondary, CBP officers discovered bulk U.S. currency totaling $78,040 hidden within the vehicle.
CBP officers seized the currency along with the vehicle, arrested the driver, and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
Why Can CBP Take My Cash?
There are three main reasons behind CBP cash seizures:
- Failure to Report: Not declaring amounts over $10,000 using the FinCEN Form 105. This is governed under 31 USC § 5316(a)(1)(A).
- Structuring: Dividing amounts into smaller sums to evade reporting requirements. This can be split among items and/or individuals. It is illegal to do so under 31 USC § 5324.
- Bulk Cash Smuggling: Concealing large amounts of currency to avoid detection. This is illegal under 31 USC § 5332.
What Steps Do I Take After a CBP Cash Seizure?
If CBP has seized your cash while driving through a port of entry, it’s crucial to take action immediately and seek legal guidance. Call San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm today at (619) 258-8888 for a free consultation.
The process to get your cash back from CBP includes:
- Receiving a Notice of Seizure: CBP will issue a formal notice with details of the seizure. This will be a nine-page letter received through certified mail. It includes your Election of Proceedings, which provides you with four options to take action.
- Getting Legal Advice: Speaking with an experienced asset forfeiture attorney is crucial. San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm offers free, confidential consultations, and Attorney Dan Smith will help guide you on the best election of proceeding specific to your case. Call us today at (619) 258-8888.
Attorney Dan Smith will defend your rights should the Government file against your currency or other valuable property.
In many cases, the person carrying the seized currency is not arrested. The full amount of the money may not even belong to them, but instead partially belong to members of their family. We fulfill family members’ wishes and investigate returning the currency to them.
Get Your Seized Money Back Today!
San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm specializes in assisting clients with CBP cash seizures and has had hundreds of successful cases. View our recent results here.
Let our expertise work for you, and contact us today at (619) 258-8888. Se habla Español.
We handle cases nationwide, throughout all CBP stations in the United States.
