Anyone who leaves or enters the US with US $10,000 or more on them, in whatever form—cash, precious metals, etc.—must report it to "the authorities." All international travelers know this, even many of those who are mentally challenged. He was way over the line and I'm sure he knew the law. Within the last few years, it has become much more difficult for ordinary US citizens to move money around the world, unless you are rich enough. Try flying to say, Bangkok, and opening a bank account without the correct visa that will take you months to get, if all goes well. Good luck with that, but if you take the 55-minute hop to Cambodia, no problem sir.