A small jewelry business in Indiana is fighting back after police seized $43,000 in cash sent to them through FedEx. The couple, Henry and Minh Cheng, claim the money was a legitimate payment from a client in Virginia for gold chains.
Cash Seized, No Charges Filed
The police, however, suspected the cash was linked to criminal activity and seized the package. Even though no drugs or illegal items were found, the authorities have held onto the money for over four months, despite not charging the Chengs with any crime.
Civil Forfeiture: A Controversial Law
The police were able to seize the Chengs’ money under a law called “civil forfeiture.” This law allows the government to take property and sell it, even without charging anyone with a crime. Critics argue that this gives police and prosecutors a financial incentive to seize property first and ask questions later.
“Profiteering” or Law Enforcement?
The Chengs are suing the state of Indiana, arguing that the practice is “simply profiteering” and not legitimate law enforcement. Under Indiana law, the seized money could be transferred directly into the state’s law enforcement fund.
Henry Cheng expressed his frustration, saying, “I think it’s unfair, and it just shouldn’t happen in America.”
The Chengs are working with the Institute for Justice, a non-profit focused on civil liberties, to challenge the state’s use of civil forfeiture. This case raises important questions about the balance between law enforcement and individual rights.
