They're oh so proud of this one... Agents found $55,000 cash hidden in the clothing of a passenger when an "astute" agent found an anomaly using AIT. I love the last bit of back patting the best - (paraphrased) "AIT detects non-metalic items, like explosives found in the Christmas Day plot in 2009". Reading this statement makes it sound like TSA actually prevented the underwear bomber from succeeding. Read it yourself and let me know if you agree, its an artfully worded statement and one that can be misunderstood.
Completely agree your with reasoning. For somebody not in the "know" about the failed "attack", this sentence might make me think TSA was responsible for stopping the PETN and syringe. to TSA
But, ahem, there is nothing to indicate that the money was actually illegal, only that the passenger was harassed and turned over to law enforcement for additional harassment. There is nothing illegal about transporting any amount of cash in the U.S. The escrow agent or, lacking that the payor, in any transaction exceeding $10,000 in cash or cash equivalent must file IRS form 8300. If you want to withdraw $100K from your savings, the bank files the 8300 & you can hit the road -- simple as that. If the funds had actually been tainted, you can bet your derrière that Blogdad Bob & his cronies would be thumping their chests over all the gory details, yet there is zero, zip, nada on that side of the "story".
I know, carrying that much cash might not be wise, but it isn't illegal so technically, nothing to see here...move along TSA. Oh but wait! Their million dollar machines found an anomaly but is that what they're looking for? Just like finding illegal drugs - is that their purpose?
Unless noted, we've yet to see the porno scanners find a weapon. Just drugs, cash, paper clips, coins, etc.
