1.4 Billion Won in Cash Found in Suitcases at Incheon International Airport... Destination: Hong Kong

[Financial News] A large sum of foreign currency with suspicious origins was discovered at the departure area of Incheon International Airport, prompting an investigation by Customs. With cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) increasingly being used as a means to transfer foreign currency abroad, airport authorities are paying close attention to this case. Customs is expected to investigate the circumstances and look into whether there are similar cases.
Newsis News Agency reported on the 14th that at approximately 6:04 a.m. on the 13th, a large bundle of cash was found in a passenger’s checked luggage during screening at the east and west security checkpoints of Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport.
The bundles of cash were discovered wrapped in towels inside the suitcases. Most of the bags were filled with foreign currency.
The bags in question were two suitcases checked in by a Korean man, identified as Mr. A, who was scheduled to depart from Incheon to Hong Kong at 8:20 a.m. One suitcase contained 45 million yen (about 425 million won), while the other held 44 million yen (about 415.44 million won) and 400,000 U.S. dollars (about 584 million won). The total amount in the two suitcases is estimated at approximately 1.424 billion won.
According to the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act, passengers carrying more than $10,000 in foreign currency when entering or leaving the country must declare it to Customs.
Mr. A attempted to take the foreign currency out of the country without declaring it to Customs, and Incheon Airport Customs is now investigating the source of the funds.
Mr. A reportedly stated that he was carrying the money on behalf of a friend.
Customs is continuing its investigation, viewing the source of Mr. A’s funds as unclear.
Incheon Airport Customs told Newsis News Agency, "We cannot comment on matters currently under investigation."
[email protected] Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter