Supreme Court Upholds Probable Cause in Seizing Western Union Transfers

(Phoenix, Ariz. – Dec. 5, 2008) The Arizona Supreme Court has declined Western Union’s petition to review the issue of whether the Court of Appeals improperly found probable cause to seize money transfers, in an order issued late Thursday. In the same order, the Court granted review of two other issues appealed by Western Union.

In response, Attorney General Terry Goddard said:

“I'm pleased that the Court acknowledged that we have probable cause to seize money transfers believed to be payments to human smugglers in Mexico. Review of the two other matters gives us opportunity to obtain a more favorable classification of our jurisdiction regarding human smuggling crimes that affect Arizona.”

“This case concerns critical questions about whether businesses have the responsibility to assist the State in our efforts to curtail illegal immigration and organized crime. Stopping the flow of funds is the most effective tool in our fight against violent smuggling cartels operating along the U.S.-Mexican border.”

For more information, contact Anne Hilby at (602) 542-8019.