Prosecutions and Seizures

Niagara/Fort Erie Region

Over US$100,000 seized at Niagara border crossings

Niagara Falls, Ontario, December 4, 2008 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it seized a total of US$102,930 in unreported currency in the Niagara region on November 27, 2008: US$81,970 was discovered at the Rainbow Bridge and an additional US$20,960 was seized at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge.

A 24-year-old man from the Bronx, New York, was attempting to enter Canada at the Rainbow Bridge when he was referred for a secondary examination. During the examination of the vehicle, CBSA officers located the currency after removing the back seat of the vehicle. 

That same day, a 49-year-old man from Dracut, Massachusetts, was attempting to enter Canada at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge when he was referred for a secondary examination. Upon examination of the vehicle, CBSA officers found wrapped and sealed bundles of currency in the vehicle’s centre console.

The undeclared currency was seized under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. The RCMP is investigating these cases.

Since January 1, 2008, CBSA officers in the Niagara–Fort Erie region have seized CAN$910,806 in undeclared currency. Even though there are no restrictions on the amount of money that can be brought into or taken out of Canada, currency or other monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more must be reported at the border. These reporting requirements came into effect on January 6, 2003, under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. Money can be seized by the CBSA if a proper report is not made.

The Act requires all seized currency or other monetary instruments to be transferred to the Seized Property Management Directorate of Public Works and Government Services Canada.

More information on currency reporting requirements is available on the CBSA’s Web site.

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For media information:

Jean D’Amelio Swyer
Communications
Canada Border Services Agency
905-354-2011