Precedent has shown that anyone caught at the airport with over US$10,000 in cash, undeclared is sure to go before a judge within 24 hours. So that’s why we’re wondering why a female grade III immigration officer is being given what appears to be some kind of special treatment. 7NEWS has confirmed with the Comptroller of Customs Gregory Gibson that on Saturday a female immigration officer was busted at the airport with over US$11,000. He explained that there are no charges yet because the matter is still under investigation. He said he will have more information by tomorrow. But we have that information by tonight. The money was US$11,400 and the grade three officer, whose name we will only not release because she has not been charged, was attempting to leave the arrival area with a suitcase full of cash.
Where did she get the money? Well, a man who came in on an afternoon flight left it at her desk. The arrangement was that she would then clear it, using a connect in the Customs Department. And when she cleared it, the man who brought it would be waiting outside – she’d get her cut, and story done. Sources tell us that investigation shows that it’s been happening like that for months, but that’s not how it went on Saturday. A police officer reportedly intercepted her and a search was conducted and that cash was discovered. But because it’s failure to make a customs declaration, the matter was handed to Customs and that’s where it is tonight.
But the case is noteworthy not just because an immigration officer was busted with undeclared U.S. dollars but that multiple sources suggest that it’s an operation that has been going on for some time but it was left unchecked possibly because there was some kind of connection to a higher up in government. But with the change of administration, connections disappear and so does clearance, thus the arrest. We’ll continue to keep a close eye on this one.
