A recent incident involving a passenger allegedly attempting to evade financial obligations and currency declaration on a Royal Caribbean vessel has highlighted the stringent legal and financial repercussions individuals face when circumventing regulations at sea. This dramatic event, unfolding near the Port of San Juan, involved allegations of significant gambling debt and the failure to declare a substantial amount of cash, leading to an immediate federal investigation.
The individual, identified as Jey Gonzalez-Diaz, who reportedly also used the alias “Jeremy Diaz,” was apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers on the morning of September 7. He was detained after allegedly jumping from Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas during disembarkation. Security footage reportedly captured Gonzalez-Diaz being brought to shore by two jet skis. Upon his detention, officers discovered $14,600 in U.S. currency, along with two mobile devices and five identification documents in his possession.
According to the criminal complaint, Gonzalez-Diaz allegedly informed officers in Spanish that his primary motivation for jumping off the ship was to avoid reporting the currency, expressing concerns about potential taxation or duties. This statement offered direct insight into the alleged intent behind his actions.
Further investigations revealed an additional layer to the incident. The cruise line informed authorities that Gonzalez-Diaz had accrued a substantial debt totaling $16,710.24. This debt was reportedly “almost exclusively associated with Casino and Gaming expenses” incurred during the cruise, which sailed from the Port of San Juan on August 31 and returned on September 7.
The investigation was complicated by the discovery of multiple identification documents. Three of the recovered IDs bore the name “Jeremy Diaz,” which Gonzalez-Diaz later claimed was his brother’s name. Two other documents displayed the name “Jey Xander Omar Gonzalez Diaz.” Prosecutors noted that when questioned by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents for his full name, Gonzalez-Diaz reportedly responded, “If you guys were good at your job, you would know that,” and subsequently refused further cooperation. His brother has reportedly been in federal custody since January 2025 at the Metropolitan Detention Center Guaynabo.
Gonzalez-Diaz now faces significant legal consequences for his alleged actions, including potential fines of up to $250,000, up to five years in federal prison, or both. This incident, while isolated, underscores the challenges cruise operators like Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) face in maintaining security and ensuring financial accountability among passengers. Royal Caribbean Group, a publicly traded entity, closed trading at $345.45, reflecting a marginal increase of 0.06% on the day this incident came to light. A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean confirmed the company is cooperating with authorities regarding the ongoing investigation and could not provide further details.
Michael Zhang is a seasoned finance journalist with a background in macroeconomic analysis and stock market reporting. He breaks down economic data into easy-to-understand insights that help you navigate today’s financial landscape.