Two women were detained at Toronto Airport with more than $1,000,000 in their suitcases
During the search, the passengers were found in possession of 982,000 Canadian Dollars and 186,000 Euros. They failed to submit a passenger customs declaration, despite being obligated to do so.
June 11, 2025 at 13:39 — By By Horizon Tribune Editorial Team
Authorities at Toronto Pearson International Airport were caught off guard earlier this week when two women were detained during a routine customs inspection that led to the discovery of more than one million dollars in cash. The incident, which unfolded in the international arrivals terminal, has raised questions about money laundering and customs enforcement at one of Canada’s busiest airports.
The women, both arriving on a flight from Europe, initially appeared calm and cooperative during screening. However, when asked to provide a passenger customs declaration, they failed to produce one, prompting border officers to refer them for secondary inspection. According to officials, this is a standard procedure when documentation is incomplete or suspicious.
During the follow-up examination, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers uncovered an unusually large quantity of banknotes inside the women’s checked luggage. The total value amounted to 982,000 Canadian dollars and an additional 186,000 euros — all concealed in tightly packed bundles. The cash was not declared, as is required by Canadian law when transporting large sums across borders.
The CBSA has strict regulations concerning the declaration of currency over $10,000 CAD. While it is not illegal to travel with large amounts of money, failing to declare it is a serious offense that can result in seizure and legal consequences. In this case, both women were immediately detained for questioning, and their luggage was confiscated for further forensic examination.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the women provided vague explanations about the origin of the funds. Initial questioning did not yield a clear justification for transporting such significant sums, which officials say is often indicative of illicit activity such as smuggling, fraud, or proceeds from organized crime.
CBSA spokesperson Melissa Landry confirmed that the money has been seized under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. 'This operation is a testament to the diligence of our officers and their commitment to keeping Canada’s borders secure,' Landry said during a press briefing Thursday.
The women, whose identities have not yet been released, remain in custody pending further investigation. Legal experts indicate that if no legitimate source for the funds is established, the women could face charges related to money laundering, customs violations, or even criminal conspiracy, depending on the findings of law enforcement.
Investigators are also working with international agencies to trace the origin of the currency and identify any possible connections to criminal organizations. The European Central Bank and Interpol have been contacted as part of the process. The cash, mostly in high-denomination bills, is currently undergoing examination for fingerprints, serial tracking, and potential DNA evidence.
The incident has reignited public debate around airport security and financial crime prevention. Some critics argue that enforcement agencies need more tools to detect undeclared assets before they make it into or out of the country. Others worry about privacy concerns and profiling at international borders.
As investigations continue, the CBSA is reminding all travelers that full disclosure of funds over $10,000 CAD is not optional. 'It’s a matter of national security and legal responsibility,' said Landry. For now, the case remains open, and officials are working to determine the broader implications of this unusual and high-stakes seizure.