MISSISSAUGA: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) seized $46,000 in currency from a traveler arriving from Barbados at Pearson International Airport, seizing it under proceeds of crime and terrorist financing legislation.
While monitoring a baggage offload, officers observed a lone suitcase at the carousel. Upon further examination, a single black laptop bag was discovered within the contents of the suitcase. Examination of the laptop bag revealed anomalies, the CBSA said.
A small cut was made in the inner liner of the bag, revealing a large sum of US $100 bills. Officers located the traveller who claimed ownership of the luggage.
The traveller claimed no knowledge of the currency. Officers seized the cash as suspected proceeds of crime under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act with no terms of release.
The investigation is ongoing. CBSA officers continue to watch for high-risk travellers who may not be in compliance with Canadian law.
This is the first seizure of suspected proceeds of crime by the CBSA at Pearson in 2015. Last year, the CBSA in the Greater Toronto Area seized more than $370,000 in suspected proceeds of crime. This is in addition to the 467 who failed to declare more than $7 million in currency, as
“I want to congratulate the officers involved in this proceeds of crime currency seizure. CBSA officers are always on the lookout for illegal activity and are dedicated to protecting Canada’s national security,” said Goran Vragovic, Regional Director General of CBSA, Greater Toronto Area Region.
