Man charged over US$45,000 undeclared cash brought into Jamaica from Miami

Robert Tong faces a possession of criminal property charge after arriving in Jamaica with US$45,000 in undeclared cash. He was granted bail of $700,000.

Undeclared US$45,000 leads to criminal charge in St James Parish Court

Robert Tong appeared before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday on a charge of possession of criminal property, the Jamaica Observer reports. He had arrived in Jamaica on a flight from Miami carrying US$45,000 — roughly $7 million Jamaican — allegedly concealed in an envelope and not declared to customs authorities.

Jamaican law requires anyone entering the island with more than US$10,000 in cash, cheques, or similar instruments to declare it on the online Customs and Immigration C5 form. Tong allegedly failed to do so.

When the money was discovered in his possession, Tong told authorities it represented his personal savings and that he had brought it to Jamaica for a property-related purpose. He was, however, unable to provide sufficient documentation at the time to support that account.

The matter gained additional weight after investigators seized Tong's mobile phone. Conversations found on the device allegedly included exchanges with another man discussing the transfer of money on multiple occasions, references to bringing funds into Jamaica, and instructions on how those funds should be received.

Under caution, Tong maintained the legitimacy of the cash. "My money is legit, it is from my trust," he reportedly told authorities.

At Wednesday's hearing, Tong's attorney Henry McCurdy made a bail application and provided further context about the origin and intended use of the funds. McCurdy told the court that the US$45,000 formed part of a family trust from which his client receives a fixed monthly sum.

McCurdy also told the court that documentation had already been supplied to Customs officers. "My client has provided proof to the Customs officers. They went through six months of the bank statements where they saw where money went in and came out and were satisfied that he had accounted for the money," McCurdy said.

The attorney further stated that Tong is married to a Jamaican national and owns three properties in Jamaica. According to McCurdy, the cash was intended to pay a contractor for refurbishment work on one of those properties, which had reportedly sustained damage during Hurricane Melissa.

The court granted Tong bail in the sum of $700,000, with provision for up to three sureties. He was also placed on reporting conditions, requiring him to present himself at a designated police station on specified days. A stop order was imposed against him at all ports of entry and exit.

Tong is scheduled to return to court on October 28.

Source: Jamaica Observer