Getting to Know: Bulk Cash Smuggling Center

ICE's Bulk Cash Smuggling Center (BCSC) is a single central source for information and support for identifying, investigating and disrupting bulk cash smuggling activities around the world. The BCSC is co-located with ICE’s Law Enforcement Support Center in Williston, Vt.


More stringent federal laws against money laundering, along with anti-money laundering measures adopted by traditional financial institutions, have forced criminal organizations to shift the movement of their illicit proceeds outside of the established financial industry. To avoid scrutiny of law enforcement, these criminal organizations are increasingly employing non-traditional methods to move funds, including the smuggling of bulk cash into, out of and through the United States.

BCSC provides one-stop shopping, 24 hours a day, to assist federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement authorities in their efforts to restrict the flow of funding that supports criminal enterprise. BCSC provides real-time tactical intelligence, investigative support and expertise in the transportation and smuggling of bulk cash. By contacting BCSC, law enforcement officers access financial investigative expertise that will help them to better follow the money trail.

The Patriot Act, enacted in 2001, criminalized the international smuggling of bulk cash. From fiscal years 2003 through 2009, ICE bulk cash smuggling investigations led to the arrest of more than 1,100 individuals and seizures of more than $410 million.

BCSC provides more than expertise and support. Qualified law enforcement agencies may be able to participate in equitable sharing arrangements from assets seized as a result of investigations of bulk cash smuggling and other financial crime.

If you have information that a suspect or business is engaged in the illicit transportation or smuggling of cash, please contact us using the BCSC form or call the ICE tipline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE.