US pilot arrested for cash smuggling at Newark Airport

Washington, Jan 12: An American commercial airline pilot has been arrested for trying to smuggle in nearly USD 200,000 in undeclared currency at a US airport shortly after arriving as a passenger on a flight from Mumbai.

Anthony Warner, 55, of Dallas, Texas, was arrested at the Newark Liberty International Airport by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. He is charged by complaint with one count of bulk cash smuggling and one count of making false statements.

Authorities did not give details of the flight he was on. He made his initial appearance before US Magistrate Judge Steven C Mannion and was released on USD 100,000 bond. The cash wrapped in currency was recovered from a laptop-style bag that he was carrying.

He also had 10 rings, four sets of earrings, and other assorted jewelry of undetermined value. Warner's possession of currency was contrary to the statements in his customs declaration and verbal statements that he made to CBP, the Department of Justice said.

Count One of the complaint carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of USD 250,000. Count two of the complaint, bulk cash smuggling, carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and forfeiture of all property involved in the offense.

PTI