Sydney, July 24: The next time you set foot in Australia, make sure you declare any money you are carrying as an international lady traveller from China has been fined for attempting to bring over $AUD270,000 in undeclared currency into Australia.
The incident occurred at Melbourne International Airport on July 21, 2024, where Australian Border Force (ABF) officers discovered the large sum of money concealed in her luggage and clothing.
During a thorough inspection, ABF officers found bundles of Australian and foreign currency hidden in her clothes and footwear.
Further cash was discovered in her pockets during a frisk search.
In total, the undeclared currency amounted to approximately $AUD271,931, including $149,900 in Australian dollars, $80,700 in US dollars, and $6,660 in Hong Kong dollars.
As a result, the woman was fined, her visa was canceled, and she has since been returned to China.
In a separate incident on July 18, 2024, an Australian citizen returning from Bangkok, Thailand, was fined after ABF officers at Perth International Airport found him in possession of undeclared currency totaling the equivalent of $AUD70,595.
ABF Acting Commander Eleanor Grigg emphasized that large amounts of currency crossing the border, both inbound and outbound, can indicate criminal activity.
“Criminal organisations smuggle cash to keep their proceeds and related activities away from the scrutiny of financial regulators and law enforcement agencies,” Acting Commander Grigg said.
“That money may then be used to fuel other criminal enterprises such as illicit drug trafficking or violent crime against persons and property.”
“The ABF is committed to removing funds from the pockets of organised crime groups and restricting their ability to cause harm to our communities.”
There is no limit to the amount of currency passengers can bring in or carry out of Australia; however, amounts of $AUD10,000 or equivalent foreign currency must be declared.
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