At the border with Bosnia he tried to bring in almost 40,000 euros and was fined 11,490 euros

A man from Bosnia and Herzegovina was fined 11,490 euros after attempting to smuggle nearly 40,000 euros into the European Union through the border crossing near Županja Most on Monday, August 3. The individual, whose vehicle bore Austrian license plates, was stopped at the customs checkpoint and found to be carrying undeclared cash totaling 36,745 euros, 600 Swiss francs, and 1,000 US dollars. The money was hidden within multiple packages inside his personal luggage, with some concealed even in his wallet. Customs officials discovered the illicit currency during a routine inspection of the vehicle as it entered the EU’s customs territory. The man had failed to declare the cash, which exceeded the legal threshold for reporting physical currency upon entry. According to customs procedures, individuals entering or leaving the EU are required to declare cash valued at 10,000 euros or more, or its equivalent in other currencies. Failure to comply results in penalties, including fines. The customs authorities issued a penalty notice to the man and imposed a monetary fine of 11,490 euros. This amount represents approximately 12% of the total value of the undeclared cash, reflecting the standard rate applied in such cases. The exact calculation of the fine was based on the declared value of the illegal funds and applicable regulations governing cross-border financial transactions. The incident highlights the strict enforcement of customs laws regarding the movement of large sums of cash across borders. Customs officials routinely inspect vehicles and luggage at border checkpoints to detect undeclared goods, including currency, drugs, and contraband. In this case, the presence of multiple wrapped bundles of cash suggested an attempt to evade detection, as well as the potential risk of smuggling. The customs authority reiterated its commitment to enforcing these rules, emphasizing that all individuals must adhere to the declaration requirements. Officials stated that failure to report cash exceeding the specified limit can lead to severe consequences, including confiscation of the undeclared funds and additional legal action. The process involves submitting a written or electronic declaration using a prescribed form, either directly to the customs office or to border police. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by EU member states to prevent money laundering and the illegal transfer of funds. While the majority of travelers comply with customs regulations, occasional violations occur, often involving individuals seeking to bypass official channels. Such incidents serve as reminders of the importance of transparency in cross-border travel and the role of customs authorities in maintaining financial integrity.