31 U.S.C. § 5332 – Bulk Cash Smuggling Into or Out of the United States
This law makes it a federal crime to conceal and transport large amounts of currency into or out of the United States to evade federal reporting requirements.
This statute targets bulk cash smuggling intended to bypass currency reporting rules at U.S. borders.
It applies to the concealment and cross-border transportation of currency or monetary instruments exceeding a statutory threshold when done to evade required reports.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly:
- Conceal more than $10,000 in currency or other monetary instruments on their person or in any conveyance, luggage, merchandise, or container
- Transport or attempt to transport such concealed currency or monetary instruments from the United States to a place outside the United States
- Transport or attempt to transport such concealed currency or monetary instruments from a place outside the United States into the United States
- Engage in the above conduct with intent to evade a currency reporting requirement under federal law
Penalties.
A person convicted under this statute shall be imprisoned for not more than five years.
In addition, the court shall order forfeiture to the United States of any property, real or personal, involved in the offense, and any property traceable to such property.
If you’re being investigated or charged under a federal bulk cash smuggling statute, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your situation.
