U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport arrested an outbound passenger after discovering US$53,800 in undeclared currency hidden in carry-on luggage during routine screening of a flight to Kingston, Jamaica. The traveller was charged with money-laundering offences under 18 U.S.C. §1956 and transferred to Homeland Security Investigations for further questioning. Federal law does not limit the amount of money individuals may take in or out of the United States, but amounts of US$10,000 or more must be reported on FinCEN Form 105. CBP’s outbound enforcement teams have stepped up bulk-cash interdictions at South Florida airports, citing links between undeclared currency, narcotics proceeds and firearms trafficking in the Caribbean corridor. Daniel Alonso, Director of Field Operations for the Miami and Tampa Field Office, said the seizure underscores CBP’s role in “disrupting transnational criminal activity while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.” The case is part of a broader push after Congress increased CBP’s outbound funding in the 2026 Secure America Act. Business travellers should note that civil and criminal penalties apply even when funds are derived from legitimate sources. Corporate mobility policies should remind employees, especially assignees relocating with relocation allowances or closing funds, to file Form 105 before departure. Companies that routinely move cash couriers for entertainment or diplomatic events face heightened scrutiny and should consider electronic transfers instead. For U.S.-bound passengers, the incident signals CBP’s growing reliance on data analytics to target high-risk outbound flights. Travellers carrying large sums for property purchases abroad or destination-services payments should arrive early and keep documentation proving the source and intended use of funds to avoid costly delays or seizures.
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
