Comment by duped

I mean in this specific case, just depositing it in a bank normally would have also prevented the problem. Storing $40k in cash anywhere is a bad idea.

It's not an illegal idea though, the government had no right to take it. But also what if the bank burns down, gets robbed, etc etc etc. Most security boxes aren't insured so you're screwed. And if you're paying to insure your cash, why not put it into a savings account and make the bank pay you for it.