Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — Reports say large amounts of cash were left in Minnesota in carry-on luggage for years. Some trips involved up to $1 million at a time.
The claims date back at least to 2014. The reports also describe a sharp rise starting in 2016.
A 2018 report cited totals of $84 million in 2016. It cited $100 million in 2017. The cash was said to leave from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Why the old reports matter again
The topic has gained new attention after federal allegations of a huge fraud scheme. The claims involve taxpayer funding and fake services.
The alleged scheme includes supposed businesses. Some were described as day cares. The claims say services were overstated or not provided.
The goal was to get large government payments, according to the allegations.
Earlier reporting suggested some airport cash could link to childcare fraud. The cash was reported to be headed overseas.
Destinations named in past reporting included the Middle East and Somalia.
What the luggage-cash claims say
The reports describe cash being packed into carry-on bags. Some bags were said to hold up to $1 million.
Past reporting said air travelers can carry large sums. But required paperwork may apply.
That paperwork is tied to currency reporting rules. Those rules aim to track large cash movements.
Rules on carrying large sums of cash
In general, the key issue is disclosure. Travelers may need to report large amounts when leaving the country.
Federal rules can include a report for sums over $10,000. That report is often called a currency report.
Failure to report can lead to seizure and other penalties.
What happens next
Officials have not publicly tied the airport cash to any single case in the text provided. The fraud claims remain allegations.
Charges and complaints are not convictions. Defendants are presumed innocent in court.
Anyone who suspects fraud can report it to state and federal agencies.
External resources
- Currency reporting info (CBP): Know Before You Go: Money
- FinCEN currency report (Form 105): Currency reporting requirements
- Minnesota DHS fraud info: Report fraud
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.