Brampton resident pleads guilty to failing to declare more than US$227,000 at the Canadian border

NIAGARA ON THE LAKE, ON, October 10, 2024 /CNW/ – At the beginning October 2023two travelers arrived at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Queenston Bridge port of entry at Niagara-on-the-LakeOntario. Both travelers stated that they had no more than $10,000 cash in with them. During a secondary examination, CBSA officers discovered US$227,453.00 hidden in the vehicle. It was determined at the time that the exchange rate had a value greater than CAN$312,200.00.

The CBSA seized the money under Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (RPMLTFA) and arrested the occupants suspected of smuggling under the regime Customs Law. The Niagara-on-the-Lake RCMP Border Integrity Unit then launched a criminal investigation which led to the identification of the cash as belonging to the passenger in the car.

Chandrakant Patel (56) of Brampton was accused of:

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

The RCMP is committed to working with our partners to protect the residents and communities of Canada. Our collaboration with the CBSA continues to produce positive results for Canada. The RCMP also recognizes the hard work of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center Canada (FINTRAC) for the detection, prevention and deterrence of money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities.

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

– Sgt. Lepa JankovićNon-commissioned officer in charge, Niagara-on-the-Lake detachment.

“Preventing money obtained through the proceeds of crime from crossing borders is part of the Canada Border Services Agency’s commitment to keeping our communities safe. This seizure and investigation demonstrate the consequences for smugglers and those who perpetuate the cycle of organized crime.

– Christine DurocherRegional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Southern Ontario Region

Fast facts

The Niagara-on-the-Lake RCMP Border Integrity Unit is responsible for preventing and detecting cross-border contraband to and from Canada. This unit supports four CBSA ports of entry by conducting larger criminal investigations that begin at the port. The unit is also responsible for protecting the border area between ports against Coburg on Lake Ontario has Port Burwell on Lake Erie. Members of the unit will often be in boats to ensure vessels meet reporting requirements upon entry. Canada.

The story continues

The CBSA works closely on investigations with its law enforcement partners, such as the RCMP, and other domestic and international law enforcement partners, to combat impact of cross-border criminal activity on our communities.

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

Contact details

RCMP O Division (Ontario)
Communications and media relations
Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @GRCPON
Facebook: RCMP.Ontario
Instagram: RCMPontario
YouTube: GRCPGRCPOLICE
Website: RCMP at Ontario

Canada Border Services Agency
Media Relations
[email protected]

Media line: 1-877-761-5945 or 613-957-6500
Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Twitter: @CanborderGTA
Facebook: BorderCan
Instagram: BorderCan
YouTube: BorderCan

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Central Region

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2024/10/c8126.html