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Arizona Authorities Stopping Wire Transfers

In a campaign to prevent the smuggling of drugs or people across state and international borders, the State of Arizona`s Attorney General has ordered the stoppage or seizure of wire transfers from certain states, or transfers to Mexico. However, one man who had his money seized is now suing the state government, alleging it was unlawfully kept from him. Javier Torres had his money transfer seized by state authorities following court decisions which did not prevent them from doing so, Arizona wanted to ensure that the money was legitimately earned.

If the wire transfers exceeded a certain amount, originated from a certain state, or were carried out by a certain company, then state courts said that Terry Goddard, Arizona`s Atty. General, could stop or seize the transfers. It was only until recently that the practice was allowed, and now litigants in California and North Carolina are joining Mr. Torres in arguing their right to due process was also violated by the seizures. Goddard`s office, however, maintains that nothing was done wrong.

"Every effort has been made to prevent the seizure of any funds from people not involved in human smuggling. We have met with Arizona community organizations to be sure that anyone receiving legitimate money transfers would be able to claim their money," Goddard says. According to the Arizona State Attorney General`s Office, $17 million in illegal wire transfers have been seized. Of these wire transfers would be used to pay for smuggling of humans in from Mexico or to purchase drugs elsewhere in the country.