Smuggling Cameras

[TheLateGreatHebrew]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

Hello, I am currently living with 5 other roomates in a house in Southern California, and it has come to my attention that one of my roomates is involved in smuggling cameras to Europe. He buys the cameras at cost from the factory (they arrive via mail), where in turn he flips them to a buyer in Europe who pays him triple his purchase for the cameras. From there, either he, or an associate of his sends the cameras in an unmarked box back to Europe. The roomate involved is from Austria and is currently staying here on a business visa. From what I've read online, the laws regarding smuggling items OUT of the united states are fairly vague.

My questions are:

1) If caught, would this cause his business visa to be invalid, followed by subsequent deporation?

2) The leasholder of the house is aware of my roomates activities, but is too intimidated to do anything about it. Could his lack of action also warrant criminal involvement on his end?

[LawResearcherMissy]

What makes you believe that this is smuggling?

It isn't illegal to resell legally obtained merchandise. Any taxes/customs fees are the responsibility of the receiving party, and cameras aren't illegal in Europe in any case.

[aardvarc]

He buys from manufacturer, sells and ships to party in Europe, right? Guess I'm missing what part of that is smuggling, rather than shipping goods sold (unless you're implying that there are tarrif or other issues being raised)? I'm not seeing any issue.

[indybail]

How is your roommate paying for these cameras? I have come across similar scenarios where the cameras are being purchased with stolen credit card numbers and then being shipped overseas.