2LT International News

SYDNEY, Australia – Federal police at Sydney International Airport have seized $145,200 in cash from a 40-year old man who was on a flight to Dubai.

The man was selected for a baggage examination by Australian Border Force officers when the airport on Sunday. During the examination of his hand luggage $45,000 in cash was found.

Currency detection dogs were also targeting the man’s flight, and gave a positive reaction to the man’s luggage, which was subsequently searched. During this examination a further $100,200 was located split between two checked bags.

Border force officers referred the man to the Australian Federal Police who seized the cash, which was in $100 bills, pending proof of origin of the money, under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth).

Acting Australian Border Force Regional Commander NSW, Tony McSweeney, said the seizure should serve as a warning to those who think they can carry large quantities of cash across our borders without declaring it.

“Anyone carrying more than $10,000 in cash in or out of Australia is required, by law, to declare it to an or risk having it seized,” A/g Commander McSweeney said.

“Large sums of money moving across borders unmonitored is unacceptable as it can be used to launder money and to fund serious criminal activity, including potential threats to national security.”

“Detecting, deterring, and disrupting financial border risks is an operational priority for the ABF and anyone thinking of engaging in this kind of activity should know, we have you in our sights,” he said.

Australian Federal Police Airport Police Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Simone O’Mahony, said there are no fees charged once currency is reported.

“We urge all travellers at international airports to come forward and declare cash as there are no fees associated with the process – if you let a Border official know and fill out the correct form, you will be allowed to travel with the cash,” Detective acting Superintendent O’Mahony said.

“If you instead choose to run the risk and not report it, you may have the cash seized, be fined up to $105,000, or could potentially face imprisonment up to a maximum of two years.”