Ohio Man Arrested for Smuggling Cash

An Ohio man was arrested Saturday at Washington-Dulles International Airport for having too much money.

Or at least more money than he was allowed to carry without declaring it.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers arrested Libious Asefa, 42, of Columbus, Ohio, after discovering $18,525 on his person and in his luggage.

Federal law requires travelers to declare any amount of cash exceeding $10,000 American or in foreign currency.

Court records state that Customs officers gave Asefa multiple chances to change his declaration, but he only admitted to carrying $12,500.

Asefa was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, which is common practice, according to a press release.

Agents interviewed Asefa, and presented the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

“Travelers who lie when reporting their currency risk losing it and may face criminal charges,” said Christopher Hess, CBP port director for the Port of Washington.  “The easiest way to hold on to your currency is to report it.  It’s that simple.”

Customs and Border Protection partnered with ICE in 2005 to launch Operation Firewall, which has netted more than 5,100 seizures exceeding $494 million in smuggled cash.

"Failing to report the transportation of more than $10,000 into or out of the United States is smuggling," said John P. Torres, special agent in charge for ICE HSI in Washington, D.C. "ICE works closely with CBP and our state, local and federal partners to ensure that those who attempt to smuggle currency in excess of $10,000 are identified, encountered and arrested."

For information on the regulations regarding travel too and from the United States, visit Customs and Border Patrol's website.