fb-pixelA man tried to sneak $10,000 past Logan Airport agents by sewing cash into his pants. He failed - The Boston Globe Skip to main content

A man tried to sneak $10,000 past Logan Airport agents by sewing cash into his pants. He failed

The traveler, a 51-year-old US citizen, arrived at Logan International Airport from Israel and told US Customs and Border Protection agents that he was carrying about $14,000.John Tlumacki/Globe Staff/File

Customs agents seized more than $29,000 from a 51-year-old man who flew into Logan International Airport on Thursday with a bundle of cash sewn into his trousers, authorities said.

The traveler, a 51-year-old US citizen, arrived at Logan from Israel and told US Customs and Border Protection agents that he was carrying about $14,000, approximately half of which was for a friend, the federal agency said Tuesday in a statement.

But the globetrotter underreported.

“During a baggage examination, the subject presented approximately $18,000; however, further inspection revealed an additional $10,000 sewn into the pockets of his pants,” the release said. “In total, CBP officers discovered and seized more than $29,000.”

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The man wasn’t charged with any crimes, and authorities declined to name him, citing privacy protocols.

Federal officials noted that international travelers can haul as much money as they want into and out of the United States, but sums greater than $10,000 must be declared. None of the dough is taxed.

“There is no limit to how much money a traveler can carry, but it is important to honestly declare the total amount to CBP officers during inspection,” Boston-area Port Director Clint Lamm said in the release. “This seizure exemplifies that violating currency reporting laws can have serious consequences.”

Customs and Border Protection says officials seize $289,609 in undeclared or illicit currency along US borders on a typical day.


Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @TAGlobe.