Over $51K In Unreported Currency Seized From Nigerian Woman At Phila. Airport
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Officials say U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than $51,000 in unreported currency from a Nigerian woman at Philadelphia International Airport on Sunday.
Authorities say much of the unreported currently was concealed within clothing.
Officials say though there is no limit to how much currency travelers can bring or take from the United States, federal law requires all travelers to complete financial reporting forms for any amount that exceeds $10,000.
Authorities say the woman reported that she had $9,800, but during a secondary inspection, CBP officers found U.S. dollars, British pounds and Nigerian nairas, that totaled the equivalent of $51,851 U.S. dollars.
The officers seized the currently and released the woman, officials say.
"There are severe consequences for violating U.S. laws," said Susan Stranieri, CBP Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia. "We hope that this seizure is a lesson for all travelers that the easiest way to hold on to their currency is to honestly report it all to a Customs and Border Protection officer."
Authorities say travelers are provided a number of opportunities to truthfully report all of their currency.
