Customs officers at the Greywater border crossing have seized 20,000 euros in undeclared cash from a traveler who had hidden the banknotes in the lining of his suitcase, the customs administration said on Thursday.
The 41-year-old man was traveling on an overnight bus from a neighboring country when officers stopped the vehicle for a routine check early on Wednesday morning. Asked whether he was carrying 10,000 euros or more in cash, he said he was not.
During an inspection of his luggage, officers noticed that the bottom of the suitcase was unusually stiff. Behind a layer of fabric they found eight bundles of 50- and 100-euro notes wrapped in plastic.
Declaring cash is mandatory
Anyone entering or leaving the country with 10,000 euros or more in cash, or the equivalent in other currencies, must declare it to customs. Carrying the money is not illegal in itself, but failing to declare it is an offense that can lead to a fine and the seizure of the cash.
The rule is simple: if you carry a large amount, tell us. Most people who declare it are on their way again within minutes. Hiding it raises questions we are obliged to ask.
Ivana Reyes, spokesperson for the customs administration
The man told officers the money was savings meant for buying a used car. He was released after questioning, but the cash will stay in state custody until he can show where it came from. Prosecutors in Greywater have opened a case on suspicion of a customs offense, and police are checking whether the money could be linked to other crimes.
A busy crossing
The Greywater crossing is one of the busiest on the country’s northern border, with around 4,000 vehicles passing through each day in summer. Officers there have seized more than 600,000 euros in undeclared cash so far this year, most of it in amounts between 10,000 and 50,000 euros.
Customs uses dogs trained to detect banknotes, as well as X-ray scanners for trucks and buses.
People still think a false bottom or a sewn-in pocket will fool us. It rarely does.
Marko Weiss, shift supervisor at the Greywater crossing
If found guilty, the traveler faces a fine of up to a quarter of the amount he failed to declare. The customs administration reminds travelers that declaration forms are available at every border post and online.
Comments 2
Useful to know the limit is 10,000. I didn’t realize it applies when leaving the country as well.
Savings for a used car, sewn into a suitcase? I would have a few questions too.