Brampton resident pleads guilty for failing to declare over $227,000 USD at Canadian border

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

October 10, 2024      Niagara on the Lake, Ontario   Canada Border Services Agency/Royal Canadian Mounted Police   

In early October 2023, two travellers arrived at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Queenston Bridge port of entry in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Both travellers declared that they did not have more than $10,000 cash with them. Upon secondary examination, CBSA officers found $227,453 USD concealed in the vehicle. It was determined at the time with the exchange rate to have a value of over $312,200 CDN.

The CBSA seized the currency under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) and detained the occupants for suspicion of smuggling under the Customs Act. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Niagara-on-the-Lake Border Integrity Unit then began a criminal investigation which identified the cash as belonging to the passenger of the car.

Chandrakant Patel (56) of Brampton was charged with:

  • Fail to declare currency greater than $10,000.00 contrary to Section 12(1) of the PCMLTFA.

On September 9, 2024, Patel pled guilty to the charge.

The RCMP is committed to working with its partners to protect the residents and communities of Canada. Collaboration with the CBSA continues to provide positive results for Canada. The RCMP also acknowledges the hard work of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) for the detection, prevention and deterrence of money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities.

Additional multimedia

Currency seized by the Canada Border Services Agency at the Queenston Bridge port of entry in October 2023.

Quotes

“The Niagara-on-the-Lake Border Integrity Program is committed to working with our partners, the CBSA and FINTRAC, on joint concerns and responsibilities. This investigation highlights our dedication to working together to stop money laundering across our country.”

~ Sgt. Lepa Jankovic, Non-commissioned Officer in charge, Niagara-on-the-Lake detachment.

“Stopping currency obtained through proceeds of crime from crossing borders is part of the commitment of the Canada Border Services Agency to keep our communities safe. This seizure and investigation demonstrates the consequences for smugglers, and those perpetuating the cycle of organized crime.”

~ Christine Durocher, Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency

Quick facts

  • For the latest enforcement statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.

  • Travelling with CAD$10,000 or more? Sending it by mail or courier? Declare it.

  • The RCMP Niagara-on-the-Lake Border Integrity Unit is tasked with the prevention and detection of cross-border smuggling both to and from Canada. This unit supports four CBSA ports of entry and works jointly with the CBSA on larger criminal investigations that start at the port. The unit is also tasked with protecting the border area between the ports from Cobourg on Lake Ontario to Port Burwell on Lake Erie. The members of the unit will often be found in boats ensuring vessels are complying with reporting requirements when entering Canada. 

  • The CBSA works closely in an investigative capacity with its law enforcement partners such as the RCMP, and other domestic and international law enforcement partners, to combat the impact that cross-border criminal activity is having on our communities.

  • If you have any information related to smuggling, drug importation, trafficking, or possession, or wish to report other criminality, you can contact the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, the confidential CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.

Contacts

RCMP O Division (Ontario)
Communications & Media Relations
media.relations.rcmp-Ontario-relations.medias.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Website: RCMP in Ontario
X: @RCMPONT
Facebook: RCMP.Ontario
Instagram: rcmpontario
YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE

Canada Border Services Agency
Media Relations
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca 
1-877-761-5945 or 613-957-6500

Website:  www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
X: @CanBorderSOR
Facebook: CanBorder
Instagram: CanBorder
YouTube:  CanBorder

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