Passenger with R4m in backpack is grounded at OR Tambo International

A passenger with no luggage except an “extremely heavy” backpack never reached his destination in Dubai after offering customs officers “bundles of currency” at OR Tambo International Airport.

The passenger was removed from his flight before take-off for questioning after being flagged by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Risk Unit on Tuesday.

“The passenger had no checked in luggage and only one backpack‚ which was extremely heavy‚” said a statement by SARS on Friday.

“On the way to the customs search area he repeatedly offered the two customs officers ‘bundles of currency’ in return for allowing him to leave with his backpack. Both refused this request.

“They were then joined by a customs manager in the interview room and the passenger again offered them all ‘bundles of currency’ in order to secure his release. The offer was increased to US$30‚000 (close to R390‚000) and was consistently refused by the customs officials in the interview room.”

The entire interaction – including searching his bag which contained US$334 895 (over R4-million) was captured on CCTV cameras in the customs control room. A criminal case was registered with the SAPS for attempted bribery‚ false declaration and failure to declare. The man was arrested.

In a second incident on the same day‚ a man travelling to Dubai was found with more than R600‚000 in US dollars‚ which had not been declared and was hidden in a laptop bag.