Known Risks

[Jwrussell]

I read through the whole thread, but I may have missed something. Is it illegal for US citizens to purchase or own Cuban Cigars in any part of the world, even if we consume them abroad? Hypothetically, say I bought and smoked a couple CCs while in Europe, is that still punishable under US law?

Yeppers. Still illegal. Though just about unenforceable.

 

[TBone]

Its funny but I've never known someone to get popped by the Feds for purchasing CC's. Its always " a friend of a friend " who gets popped.

 

[Texas Cop]

Oh it happens brother....Happens often...



drew

 

[CWS]

Its funny but I've never known someone to get popped by the Feds for purchasing CC's. Its always " a friend of a friend " who gets popped.

I have. Take it seriously.

 

[stogies&hoagies]

I know two people that had "at home visits" from customs. Both in the same area, within a couple weeks of each other, and neither knew of the other. I just happened to know them both.

 

[acaffey]

ENFORCEMENT INFORMATION FOR February 1, 2008

INDIVIDUALS – 31 CFR 501.805(d)(1)(ii)

One individual has agreed to a settlement totaling $2,127.45 for allegedly dealing in
property in which Cuba or a Cuban national had an interest: In February 2005, one
individual allegedly purchased Cuban-origin cigars offered for sale on the Internet. The
individual did not voluntarily disclose this matter to OFAC.

One individual has agreed to a settlement totaling $1,000 for travel-related
transactions incident to travel to Cuba: In February 2005, the individual allegedly
engaged in travel-related transactions involving Cuba, including the receipt of and
payment for goods and services. The individual traveled to and from Cuba through third
countries. The individual did not voluntarily disclose this matter to OFAC.

One individual has agreed to a settlement totaling $456.95 for allegedly dealing in
property in which Cuba or a Cuban national had an interest: In December 2004 and
March 2005, the individual allegedly purchased Cuban-origin cigars offered for sale on
the Internet. The individual did not voluntarily disclose this matter to OFAC.

One individual has agreed to a settlement totaling $5,213.42 for allegedly dealing in
property in which Cuba or a Cuban national had an interest: Between November
2004 and July 2006, the individual allegedly purchased Cuban-origin cigars offered for
sale on the Internet. The individual did not voluntarily disclose this matter to OFAC.

One individual has agreed to a settlement totaling $358.15 for allegedly dealing in
property in which Cuba or a Cuban national had an interest: In December 2004 and
January 2005, the individual allegedly purchased Cuban-origin cigars offered for sale on
the Internet. The individual did not voluntarily disclose this matter to OFAC.

One individual has agreed to a settlement totaling $1,082.90 for allegedly dealing in
property in which Cuba or a Cuban national had an interest: In January 2004,
March 2004 and April 2004, the individual allegedly purchased Cuban-origin cigars
offered for sale on the Internet. The individual did not voluntarily disclose this matter to
OFAC.

 

[Asher]

ENFORCEMENT INFORMATION FOR February 1, 2008
...

Out of curiosity, how are people usually caught? Are electronic records (credit cards, etc.) the problem? What about prepaid credit cards? (The only prepaid cards I've had were rebate Visa cards from my cell phone company, so I don't know how the rest of these work.)

 

[Jwrussell]

Holy Crap! opeyes:

One individual has agreed to a settlement totaling $5,213.42 for allegedly dealing in
property in which Cuba or a Cuban national had an interest: Between November
2004 and July 2006, the individual allegedly purchased Cuban-origin cigars offered for
sale on the Internet. The individual did not voluntarily disclose this matter to OFAC.

And yes, electronic records have been at the base of most of the incidents where people have been caught/fined. That, and straight out confiscation where they grab a box coming into the country. With the exception of confiscations, it is usually tied to a more indepth investigation of a particular store or what not.

 

[dpricenator]

Thinking of way to minimize these risks...The prepaid idea is not bad. You could buy a prepaid mastercard with cash and as long as they shipment isn't confiscated, your credit cardss records would be in the clear.

 

[acaffey]

Thinking of way to minimize these risks...QUOTE]

I've though a lot about this. In my professional life, I work for a company that manages a financial network that screens transactional / funds transfer data.

There are probably measures that would make it more difficult to track a transaction, but Treasury is smarter than we are (if only because data is power). It's like a peewee team playing major leaguers. I would contend that if you get caught and you have obviously tried to structure your activity with the intention of evading the law, you will be less likely to receive leniency / consideration.

 

[dpricenator]

good thoughts

 

[TBone]

Any shipment of cigars I have seen have been without bands and boxes. Bands come later. How can they tell if they are Cubans or other?

 

[MichiganM]

All good info here brothers. There are risks with certain pleasures in life.

 

[avid toker]

Can someone give me a source :smile:

 

[MichiganM]

Can someone give me a source :smile:

I heard Wal-Mart sells them...

:stickbeat

:headroll:

 

[TBone]

Cuba is a good place to start:halfgrinw

 

[avid toker]

I like the Wal Mart idea...no OFAC letter :king:

 

[smokem94]

I have. Take it seriously.

DITTO!!!

 

[Fox]

Today's article seems pertinent. Although this does not refer specifically to credit cards, we have seen many other articles that do.

 

[Fidel]

Bump!