2010-04-07 12:36 PDT

Vancouver, BC - For the first time in British Columbia, an individual has been convicted of failing to report outbound currency in excess of $10,000 under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.

On May 27, 2009, 37-year-old Oksana Yang of Burnaby, traveling to Hong Kong via Vancouver International Airport, was selected for further examination by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for currency verification. Upon examination, CBSA officers discovered the equivalent of approximately $13,000 CDN in undeclared currency. During the interview, Ms. Yang could not provide the Border Services Officers with a plausible explanation for the purpose of her travel or her possession and transport of the money. The officers seized the currency under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) and referred the file to the RCMP Federal Integrated Proceeds of Crime unit to investigate.

"I would like to congratulate the CBSA and the RCMP for their work that has resulted in the first conviction under the Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act in B.C for this type of offence. The Government of Canada remains committed to ensuring the safety of our communities by reducing the flow of illicit funds that are frequently directed toward crime-related activities," said the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety.

"The work Border Servicers Officers do to prevent the cross border movement of undeclared currency is not a widely recognized part of our mandate. Stopping illegal currency at our borders effectively diminishes the criminal action frequently associated with this type of activity and, in turn, helps us to accomplish our priority to preserve the safety and security of Canadians," stated Yvette Monique Gray, CBSA District Director, Vancouver International Airport. "Successes such as these are the direct result of the hard work and dedication of the CBSA and RCMP working in partnership to achieve a common goal."

RCMP Federal Integrated Proceeds of Crime officers investigated and recommended charges of failing to report currency in excess of $10,000 under PCMLTFA. On March 23, 2010, Yang was convicted of this charge. This conviction is the first of its kind in British Columbia under the PCMLTFA for this type of offence.

"Successful prosecutions under this Act will assist in the disruption of the flow of illicit monies across our international borders. It will also serve as a deterrent when people are aware that criminal charges can and will be pursued by the RCMP Integrated Proceeds of Crime unit," said Sergeant Dave Gray, Media Relations Officer for the RCMP Federal Integrated Proceeds of Crime unit.

While it is not illegal to transport currency equal to or greater than $10,000 CDN into or out of Canada, it is a criminal offence to do so without reporting it to the CBSA. The purpose of this legislation is to make it more difficult for criminals to conduct their business dealings, many of which are cash based.

Part of the responsibility of the Integrated Proceeds of Crime Unit (IPOC) is to disrupt and dismantle the day-to-day business of criminals by taking away their profits, such as the money and assets obtained from their criminal activities. One facet of this role is to assist CBSA in interdicting the flow of illicit monies through our international-borders by prosecuting those found engaged in such activities.
 

Released by:
Sgt. Dave Gray
Media Relations Officer
Federal Integrated Proceeds of Crime
778-571-7450

CBSA Media Contact:
Faith St John
CBSA Communications Advisor
604-666-5492
 

Email: bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca