Cyprus Customs seized almost €800,000 in two inspections over a week

Cyprus Customs has reported two major seizures of undeclared cash and bank cheques totaling almost 800 thousand euros. The inspections took place on the “green line” and at Paphos Airport.

The first incident occurred on May 21 at the Ayios Dhometios crossing point. Customs officers stopped a rented car driven by an Israeli national. During the search, they found €29,300 in cash in the vehicle, as well as 39 Israeli bank cheques worth about 1.9 million shekels, equivalent to roughly €569 thousand.

According to the authorities, the man admitted that he had brought the money and cheques through Larnaca Airport, but had not declared them in the required manner. All the funds were confiscated, and an investigation has been launched.

The second case took place on May 24 at Paphos Airport. After receiving operational information, customs officers checked the luggage of a passenger with Ukrainian citizenship who had arrived on a flight from Dublin. During a physical inspection, it turned out that almost €200 thousand had been hidden in 13 socks placed inside shoes.

The passenger also failed to submit the mandatory declaration for carrying a large sum of cash. The money was seized, and the investigation is continuing.

Cypriot authorities reminded the public that when bringing in or taking out large sums of money, it is necessary to comply with financial control and declaration requirements.