Customs Busts Man With $10K In Pants At Logan Airport

BOSTON, MA– A man tried to fudge just how much money he was bringing into the country but got busted this week when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Logan International Airport found the traveler with $10,000 sewn into the lining of his pants, officials announced today.

The 51-year-old U.S. citizen came in on a flight from Israel on Jan. 18, reported to officers that he was carrying $7,000 and an extra $7,000 for a family friend. During a baggage examination, customs agents found approximately $18,000, but during a screening customs noticed something a little funny.

He wasn't quite telling the truth, they said.

The man had allegedly sewn an additional $10,000 into the lining of the pockets of his pants. In total, Customs officers said they found and seized more than $29,000.

Travelers can carry as much currency as they want in and out of the US - as long as they report anything more than $10,000, according to federal law.

None of the currency is taxed.

“There is no limit to how much money a traveler can carry, but it is important to honestly declare the total amount to CBP officers during inspection,” said Boston Area Port Director Clint Lamm in a statement. “This seizure exemplifies that violating currency reporting laws can have serious consequences.”

Travelers are encouraged to visit Customs' travel section to learn more about the admissions process and rules governing travel to and from the U.S.

Nearly a million times a day people come through U.S. customs. In screening both foreign visitors and returning citizens, they use a variety of techniques to intercept narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products, according to a release.

On a typical day, customs department estimate they seize $289,609 in undeclared or illicit currency.

Customs did not name the man in the release. It's unclear if he’ll face any charges. No one was immediately available at Customs when Patch reached out about it. We'll update when they respond.

According to customsandinternationaltradelaw.com, a trade law company.

Penalties for not declaring money can be severe.

"You run the very real risk of CBP taking all of the money you were carrying… and keeping it. Failure to report the international transportation of money is serious business. Not only could you lose your money forever, you may be subject to civil and criminal penalties," according to the website.

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Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of U.S. borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.