Airport customs seize 70,000 euros from unemployed individuals before their travel to Iraq
Customs authorities at Düsseldorf Airport seized an amount of 70,000 euros that was in the possession of two unemployed Dutch men while they were attempting to leave Germany for Iraq. The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 21, when the travelers underwent a security check that raised the suspicions of the federal police, which handed them over to the customs authorities responsible for inspecting cash.
During the inspection, it was found that the 36-year-old man was carrying 50,000 euros in 1,000-euro notes in a shoulder bag, while his 35-year-old companion was carrying 20,000 euros in 50-euro notes in a similar bag. The checked luggage was returned for inspection, but no additional violations were uncovered.
The younger man stated that the money belonged entirely to him, but he was unable to provide a logical explanation for the source of this money or for the reason it was distributed between him and his companion. He also claimed that he tried to declare the amount, but he could not find the customs office in the departure area of the airport.
Customs opened an investigation against the two men on charges of failing to declare cash, in addition to suspicion of money laundering, and the entire amount was confiscated.
According to German laws, any person entering or leaving the country with cash or its equivalent worth 10,000 euros or more must declare it to customs, as a measure aimed at combating money laundering, financing terrorism, and criminal activities. These procedures do not mean prohibiting the transfer of money, but rather require compliance with reporting it only.