Ukrainian man caught at Munich airport with €455,000 in cash sparks money laundering investigation

The incident took place at the Munich airport in November of the previous year. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the 66-year-old Ukrainian man had roughly 455 thousand euros in cash.

During the routine luggage check, the Ukrainian disclosed that he was carrying about 300 euros in cash. The situation escalated shortly before boarding when the customs officer noticed an unidentified man hand over carry-on luggage to the 66-year-old.

The officer subjected the Ukrainian to an additional inspection. It was found that the suitcase contained a substantial amount of banknotes, approximately 455 thousand euros. "The man did not provide any information about their origin," reported Marie Müller, a press spokesman for the Munich Main Customs Office, to the "Bild" newspaper. As a result, criminal proceedings were initiated against him.

"Individuals travelling from Germany, or entering Germany from a non-EU country, carrying cash—i.e. cash and securities, as well as high-content gold—with a total value of 10,000 euros or more, are required to declare this amount in writing at the relevant German customs office," states German customs, as quoted by "Bild".

Sources: Bild