Hidden Cash Seized At Border

J O I N T M E D I A R E L E A S E

24 December 2008

Hidden cash seized at border


A 44-year-old Stirling man was detained for allegedly attempting to export over
AUD$182,000 cash out of Australia via Perth International Airport.

Customs officers at Perth International Airport stopped the man for questioning
yesterday when he was preparing to leave Australia on a flight to Indonesia.

On his Outgoing Passenger Card the man had declared he was not taking over
AUD$10,000 in cash out of Australia.

During an examination of the man's hold luggage, Customs officers allegedly found a
large plastic bag containing cash hidden within a towel. Upon further examination, the
officers found more cash concealed within Christmas presents. A large amount of cash
was also located in the man's hand luggage.

Customs officers subsequently referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police
(AFP) and the large amount of cash has been seized by AFP officers and
investigations are continuing.

There is no limit to the amount of currency you can bring in or out of Australia,
however, under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006
you must declare amounts of AUD$10,000 or more in Australian currency or foreign
equivalent.

The maximum penalty for this type of offence is imprisonment for 2 years, a fine of
AUD$55,000, or both.




Media enquiries
AFP National Media (02) 6275 7100
Customs Communication and Media (02) 6275 6793


Images of the seized currency can be found in the media room at www.customs.gov.au