STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO — A 42-year-old Ukraine National and Citizen of Canada, Liliya Dzyuba, pleaded guilty to bulk cash smuggling before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000
Assistant U.S. Attorney, Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on January 25, 2018, the defendant attempted to enter the United States from Canada at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. During her primary inspection, Dzyuba stated that she was traveling with $5,000 in U.S. Currency. The defendant signed the CBP Customs Declaration Form indicating that she was not carrying over $10,000. During a secondary inspection, CBP Officers told Dzyuba that she was going to be patted down and was asked again if she had any additional money on her. The defendant then admitted that she was carrying $35,000.00 around her waist and hidden in her pants. Dzyuba was searched and officers recovered four black zipper pouches concealed around her waist, which contained a total of $37,000. In addition, $5,373 was found in the defendant’s wallet, for a total amount of $42,373.
The plea is the result of an investigation by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations under the direction of Special Agent-in- Charge Kevin Kelly, and Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2018, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.
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