Two women were detained at Toronto Airport with more than $1,000,000 in their suitcases
During the search, the passengers were found in possession of 982,000 Canadian Dollars and 186,000 Euros. They failed to submit a passenger customs declaration, despite being obligated to do so. The total amount of illegally transferred cash exceeded 1 million dollars.
May 16, 2025 at 10:24 – By [Firstname Lastname]
Authorities at Toronto Pearson International Airport made a significant discovery this week, uncovering more than one million dollars in undeclared currency during a routine customs check. The seizure occurred when two women arriving on an international flight were flagged for additional screening.
During the search of their luggage, Canadian Border Services Agency officers found a total of 982,000 Canadian Dollars alongside 186,000 Euros. Both individuals had failed to submit the required passenger customs declaration, a legal obligation for anyone carrying significant amounts of cash into or out of the country.
Officials noted that the money was neatly bundled and packed in several layers of clothing. The layout and concealment raised red flags that prompted further questioning by airport security and border personnel.
Initial interviews with the travelers revealed inconsistencies in their explanations regarding the source and destination of the cash. Authorities remain cautious about confirming whether this was a case of smuggling or an undeclared legal transfer, pending further investigation.
The CBSA emphasized that while carrying large sums of cash is not inherently illegal, failing to declare them when required by law can result in seizure, fines, and potential criminal investigation.
The travelers were detained temporarily while law enforcement continued to document and examine the seized funds. The origin of the cash, including whether it may be linked to criminal activity, is now under joint investigation with federal financial intelligence units.
A spokesperson for the CBSA stated that such discoveries underscore the importance of clear regulations and public awareness about customs requirements. Travelers are reminded that any amount over CAD $10,000 must be declared when crossing borders.
Legal experts note that undeclared funds, even if legally obtained, can be subject to confiscation if authorities suspect they may be tied to money laundering, tax evasion, or other illicit activities.
The two women, whose identities have not been released due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry, were not formally charged at the time of their detention. They have been released pending further investigation.
This incident marks one of the larger undeclared currency finds at Pearson Airport this year. CBSA reports indicate a rise in similar cases, attributed in part to enhanced screening protocols.
The CBSA is expected to submit a full report to federal agencies and may coordinate with international counterparts if the investigation reveals broader financial links. The case also highlights Canada's continuing efforts to combat cross-border financial crime.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some praising the efficiency of border services while others raise concerns about profiling and procedural fairness. For now, the case remains a prominent reminder of the risks of crossing international borders with undeclared wealth.