A Binghamton University professor is under house arrest and awaiting trial in Kazakhstan after being charged with currency smuggling.

Engineering professor Victor Skormin was stopped at Astana Airport in Kazakhstan on Sept. 29 for having too much U.S. currency in his possession, according to reports from WIVT News Channel 34.

Skormin was leaving the country when officials took him into custody after finding $14,000 cash as he went through passport control, the report states.

According to BU spokeswoman Gail Glover, Skormin, a native of the former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan, was on a business trip to Al-Farabi Kazakh National University to provide council on their efforts to get a Ph.D. program and to recruit current students for the University’s engineering program.

In an e-mail labeled “The Hostage Diary,” Skormin wrote that $1,000 of the $14,000 was cash he had brought with him while the remaining money was lecture and consulting fees, and expense reimbursements, News Channel 34 reported. He also stated that he had official papers to support his explanation.

Members of the BU administration have spoken twice to Skormin, according to Glover. They have also been in daily contact with Skormin’s son and the U.S. State Department, and are making efforts to help in his release.

“We have been in contact with the U.S. Embassy and are awaiting additional information,” Glover said. “Our campus counsel has also been in touch with the SUNY counsel, who has been in contact with the U.S. State Department.”

Even though news of Skormin’s detainment in Kazakhstan is troubling, a more serious concern still exists while University officials are left playing the waiting game.

While under house arrest, the professor has run out of the necessary medication prescribed to him by physicians for his diabetes, according to News Channel 34.

“He made us aware of his present health issues and we have urged him to immediately contact the U.S. Embassy to assist him in getting prompt medical attention,” Glover said. “We have also contacted the Embassy on his behalf and alerted them as to his medical issues.”

“Embassy staff members have indicated that they have visited Professor Skormin in his hotel several times and speak with him daily,” she added.

The University remains concerned over his condition, according to Glover.

“Our primary concern is for Professor Skormin’s health and well being,” she said. “We have heard that Professor Skormin’s son has been in touch with his doctors to acquire medical information that will then be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.”

While Skormin awaits news on his prescription medication, he also anticipates trial, which is preventing him from leaving the country.

“Professor Skormin has engaged a Kazakh attorney to assist in this matter,” Glover said. “We are waiting for confirmation of the trial date.”

Skormin is shocked by the allegations, the report states.

“[Only a] lunatic would try to smuggle earned money,” he said.