TORONTO: In June 2015, border services officers at the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport seized a large amount of suspected proceeds of crime: 160 000 euros (about Can$220,000) hidden in the suitcase of a Canadian traveller arriving from Spain.
On June 22, 2015, the traveller was referred to a secondary exam. The inspection of the suitcase made by the officer and the ensuing X-ray exam revealed discrepancies. The opening of the suitcase showed that a total of 160,000 euros were hidden in its walls and its handle.
The monetary instruments were provided to Public Works and Government Services Canada, as prescribed by the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.
Information regarding this seizure was forwarded to Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, which aims to prevents money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities in Canada.
From January to June 2015, the CBSA made a total of 53 suspected proceeds of crime seizures in Canada, for an amount of more than Can$1,6M. This seizure of 160,000 euros is the second largest proceeds of crime seizure to date, in 2015.
Under Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, amounts equal to or greater than Can$10,000 must be declared at the border; failure to do so may result in seizure action.
The requirement to report cross-border movement of money is part of an overall government initiative to fight crime by taking away the profits of criminals and the funds of terrorists.
“This seizure is the result of the vigilance and expertise of border services officers, who, in addition, can rely on high-tech equipment to the border to complete their work. It sends a clear message to criminals that the CBSA is determined to counter all illicit activities at our borders.”
