Over $750,000 in cash found hidden in a spare tire

CALEXICO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A 35-year-old man was found traveling with hundreds of thousands of dollars hidden in the spare tire of his pickup truck at the Calexico East Port of Entry earlier this month, authorities said.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers encountered the man while he was traveling southbound into Mexico on July 10. He was referred for a second inspection and that’s when the cash was discovered.

As explained by CBP, it’s not a crime to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency totaling $10,000 or more to officers upon entry or exit from the U.S. Concealing money with the intent to evade reporting requirements is against the law.

“This discovery underscores the ongoing efforts of our dedicated CBP officers to enforce federal regulations and prevent illicit activities,” said Roque Caza, port director for the Area Port of Calexico.” We remain committed to safeguarding our nation’s borders and maintaining the integrity of our country’s economic security.”

CBP officers seized the cash and Homeland Security Investigations initiated a criminal investigation into the incident. The man may petition for the return of the money, but CBP said he “must prove that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.”

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