Originally Posted by
Vaze
Carrying copies of bank statements showing large cash withdrawals are routine as well documents showing that we are involved in international trade (copies of the bill of lading, packing lists etc) wouldn't be enough to show that the proceeds are from legitimate business?
If carrying paperwork isn't enough, I guess we will have to rethink how we are transporting revenue back and forth as what you are all saying is very troubling
Most of the people getting assets seized are ethnic minorities; I couldn't guess how safe someone with business papers would be. Any officer can seize money or assets based off "suspicion" (real or not). The owner of the property doesn't need to charged with anything. Legally, the state must show that the asset is related to a crime in order to keep it (if you file paperwork to contest the seizure). However, the current racket that's gaining attention is police threatening to make up charges or take the children of the person being targeted unless they "willingly" sign over the money -- right on the side of the road -- forcing them to drop their right to contest the seizure.
This article talks about police from one small town of 1000 people that took cash and cars from hundreds of black motorists passing through the interstate over a period of just two years. And it's not just one little town - it's fairly endemic across the south.
A typical case.
More.