Carlos E. Reyes-Rosado, Bulk Cash Smuggling, Puerto Rico 2019
San Juan, Puerto Rico - In a shocking case of bulk cash smuggling, Carlos E. Reyes-Rosado, a.k.a. “Farruko” was sentenced to three years’ probation by United States Chief Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí. Reyes-Rosado entered a straight plea on the two counts of the indictment on March 7, 2019.
On April 4, 2018, Reyes-Rosado was arrested for failure to declare the transportation of monetary instruments in excess of $10,000, and bulk cash smuggling into the United States. According to the indictment, on April 2, 2018, the defendant arrived at the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan from the Dominican Republic.
The defendant completed a Customs Declaration (CBP Form 6059B) in which he declared he was not carrying currency or monetary instruments over $10,000. However, during inspection, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers, with a service canine, alerted positive on two suitcases to narcotics.
Reyes-Rosado claimed ownership of both suitcases and the officers proceeded with further inspection. The CBP officers asked the defendant if he was carrying more than $10,000 and he said he was carrying about $7,000, although he was not sure. Further inspection revealed currency concealed under the insoles of shoes inside the suitcases for a total of $51,802.
Based on the facts concerning the case, Reyes-Rosado was charged with intent to evade a currency reporting requirement under Title 31, United States Code, Section 5316, by knowingly concealing more than $10,000 in currency in a conveyance, article of luggage, merchandise, or other container, and transporting such currency from the Dominican Republic into Puerto Rico.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney María L. Montañez-Concepción. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection.
Reyes-Rosado was ordered to forfeit $41,802.00 as part of his sentence. The musician's case serves as a reminder of the importance of declaring large amounts of currency when traveling in and out of the United States.
This is not the first time Farruko has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. However, with his probation and forfeiture, he will have the opportunity to redeem himself and continue his music career.
Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →