United States v. Van Rijk

MEMORANDUM2

Ivan Van Rijk (“Van Rijk”), a professional jeweler, appeals the district court’s judgment of forfeiture of 847 pieces of jewelry and 370 precious stones valued at $394,000. Van Rijk attempted to transport this merchandise across the border into the United States from Canada without declaring it.

The government seeks forfeiture of the merchandise pursuant to 19 U.S.C. § 1497.3 Van Rijk concedes that he violated federal laws requiring that he declare the jewelry and precious stones at the border. Rijk contends, however, that the government’s demand that he forfeit $394,000 worth of…