Customs Seizes $125,000 at Chicago Airport

At Chicago O'Hare International Airport on March 1, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered and seized more than $125,000 in U.S. currency.

CBP officers selected several passengers traveling outbound to Pakistan for a currency verification examination. Officers explained that certain federal laws required that they declare any currency that totaled $10,000 or more. While it is not a crime to carry $10,000 or more, failure to declare the money is a federal offense.

When the officers searched one family's baggage, they discovered $35,000 in the husband's carry-on bag, after he previously declared only $17,000. A further search of the family's belongings revealed thousands of dollars hidden in the pages of a magazine, behind pictures in a photo album, as well as hidden throughout their checked and carry-on bags.

The amount of currency found totaled $125,849 in U.S. currency. The money can be reclaimed with a petition if the source and use can be proven to be legitimate. No charges have been filed as of yet.

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