U.S. Treasury Tightens Oversight of Cross-Border Funds

The United States Treasury Department released an advisory urging money service businesses to increase vigilance over cross-border transfers linked to individuals without legal immigration status. The directive, issued through the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, outlines heightened reporting expectations for transactions that may involve illicit funds or violate financial regulations.

The advisory emphasizes that money service businesses must file suspicious activity reports for any transfers of two thousand dollars or more when there is reason to suspect that the funds may be connected to unlawful employment or other forms of illicit activity. Authorities said the measure is part of efforts to prevent the exploitation of the financial system by individuals or networks engaged in smuggling, trafficking, or related offences.

The Treasury explained that while most cross-border remittances from the United States are legitimate, smaller transfers have previously been used to support criminal activity. The advisory aligns with broader policy actions aimed at tightening immigration controls and strengthening the monitoring of financial flows linked to individuals without lawful status.

The move follows growing concerns about cross-border criminal operations and the efforts of U.S. agencies to disrupt financial channels that may support illegal networks.