Suspiciously large amount of cash seized during train control - €105,430 in undeclared cash seized from train passenger bound for Czechia
A 31-year-old man travelling by train to the Czech Republic has been stopped by customs officers after carrying €105,430 in cash. The large sum raised immediate suspicion, leading to further inspection and the seizure of the money. Authorities are now examining whether the case requires a money laundering investigation.
The incident began when customs officers questioned the passenger during a routine check. The man claimed he planned to use the cash to buy two luxury cars in the Czech Republic. However, officials found his explanation unconvincing.
Upon searching his belongings, officers discovered the money hidden in multiple places: inside a backpack, in his jacket pockets, and in his trouser pockets. The passenger failed to provide satisfactory answers about the origin or purpose of the funds.
Under EU rules, travellers must declare any cash they carry when asked by customs. Since the man could not justify the amount, authorities confiscated the €105,430. A formal clearing procedure is now in progress to decide if a full money laundering probe is necessary.
This case follows a broader trend of increased scrutiny at EU borders. Over the past five years, investigations into money laundering have surged, with reported cases climbing from around 1,200 in 2021 to over 3,500 in 2025. Countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands have seen the highest numbers, partly due to stricter controls and new EU directives. Enhanced AI screening and the 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive, introduced in 2023, have played a key role in detecting suspicious cash movements.
The seized cash remains in custody while authorities assess the next steps. If evidence of illegal activity is found, the case could lead to a formal investigation under money laundering laws. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts by EU customs to clamp down on undeclared cash transfers across borders.
