Here’s your warning: this is a blog for the conspiracy theorists. If you have full assurance the government is nobly working for the good of its people, and we have no reason to fear corruption or ruin, this blog is not for you.
Recently, a story was published that claims Europe is considering implementing a “security measure” which would allow the seizure of precious metals, bitcoin, prepaid cards, and cash from individuals deemed “suspicious.” Officials would be targeting those suspected of having ties to terrorism.
Currently, individuals must claim possession of cash in excess of $10,000 upon entrance into an EU country, which has allegedly increased the transport of alternative payment methods, like bitcoin, prepaid cards, and…precious metals. Leaders believe terrorists may be using this technique as a way to fund their malicious acts, like the tragedy in Berlin on December 19th.
In my opinion, this becomes a very slippery slope. What are the criteria for becoming suspect? It seems as if (according to the government) the mere fact that an individual possesses large quantities of cash or precious metals makes them “suspicious.” Without clear guidelines as to how a person’s potential threat level is to be evaluated, this type of legislature can lend itself to some serious corruption.
These regulations could make traveling with precious metals risky. I don’t think I would feel comfortable risking the forfeiture of my commodities based on who was working the border when I passed through and how threatening or suspicious they deemed I appeared. It’s likely I would raise alarms solely based on the fact that I am one of those people who is terrified when a police officer is driving behind me, despite the fact that I am never breaking a law. My anxiety would probably make a border patrol officer a little bit richer.
Not only does the vagueness of the proposed law allow for potential corruption at the border, but what can of worms are we opening by allowing fear to dictate so much of our legislature? I can easily see this bleeding into the country and affecting more than just travelers. Would purchasing precious metals grant you a spot on the EU watch list? Or, perhaps, you might just see a 1933-esque gold confiscation justified by a need for “national security,” rather than an economic crisis (though, it’s really about an economic crisis).
