Yes, the 10K is a trigger on lots of things. We bought a car last year and paid cash and the dealer told us they would have to make a report of the amount to the IRS. In our case, it didnt matter.

As to the story about the couple from Bosnia. I cant help but think these are the same federal authorities that sent, lemme see if I can remember the name, Mohammad Atta I think it was, a new visa a few months after he crashed a plane into the World Trade Center. Maybe they arent utilizing their time in the most beneficial way to the country, but rather in ways for calculated psychological/PR effect for self benefit. Just a thought.