Prosecutions and Seizures

Pacific Region

The CBSA and RCMP stop and investigate million dollar smuggler

On October 6, 2009, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers interdicted a foreign national attempting to enter Canada at the Douglas border crossing from the United States. During their examination of the traveler, CBSA officers determined that he was in possession of undeclared gold and paper currency equaling approximately one million dollars. CBSA officers arrested the individual and are now working jointly with the RCMP E Division Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) to determine the source of these funds.   

At this time, E INSET investigators will be recommending to the Crown charges against the male pursuant to Section 74 of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) for failure to declare / non-declaration of currency in excess of $10,000 while moving across an international border.  

"This is an excellent example of the RCMP and CBSA working together to address a failure to disclose substantial financial assets, with the scope of the RCMP investigation to determine the source of the funds or their eventual use," says Inspector Paul Richards, Officer in Charge of the E Division INSET.

"The CBSA has been highly successful in the international fight against transborder crime, specifically money laundering and terrorist financing, with the forfeiture of nearly $60 million in suspected proceeds of crime since the law came into effect in 2003," said Kim Scoville, Director, Pacific Highway District. "The Canada Border Services Agency, together with the RCMP, continue to work together to combat this serious problem."

The male is now in custody pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

CBSA and the RCMP E INSET continue to investigate.

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