Poker Players at Risk: Cash Seizures on US Flights

Poker players returning from the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) in the Bahamas face significant risks of cash seizures by US law enforcement. Todd Witteles, owner of the PokerFraudAlert forum, recently warned players about the potential danger their money could face on their flight home.

Civil forfeiture allows law enforcement to seize property or cash from citizens based on the suspicion that the property or cash was acquired through criminal activities, without a warrant, court order, or conviction. This practice, known as 'civil forfeiture,' has been a contentious issue since its inception in 1983 as part of the War on Drugs. Despite efforts to reverse the law in the 2010s, it remains in effect today and puts poker players at risk of losing their cash without any reasonable hope of recourse.

Todd Witteles highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that people have had less than $10k taken. If you are chosen for questioning, they will ask you if you have 'proof' where you got the money. Often your proof is judged not good enough, and they take it. I have seen many lose $5k-$8k over the years. Poker players have in the past been coerced by signing a form where they are promised not to be charged with crimes they are suspected of committing also but stating that they are agreeing to the forfeiture and will not challenge it. It is important to know your rights and to refuse to sign any forms without legal representation present.