Bosnian Man Attempts to Bring €39,000 Across Border, Loses a Third
Customs officers at the Županja Most crossing found the money in the personal car and luggage of a BiH citizen, who had not declared it beforehand.
Customs officers at the Županja Most crossing found the money in the personal car and luggage of a BiH citizen, who had not declared it beforehand.
A citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina attempted to enter the European Union on August 3, 2026, carrying cash worth nearly €39,000 without declaring it to customs officials. During an inspection at the Županja Most border crossing, €36,745, 600 Swiss francs, and $1,000 were found in his personal luggage and wallet.
According to the Croatian Customs Administration, the man was driving a passenger car with Austrian license plates. During a routine check, customs officers discovered that the cash was distributed across several envelopes and a wallet. The traveler had not declared it, which constitutes a violation of applicable regulations.
Due to the violation of Article 41 of the Foreign Exchange Act, the BiH citizen was issued a misdemeanor order and fined €11,490. This amount represents nearly a third of the total value of the undeclared cash he attempted to bring in.
The Customs Administration reminds that any individual entering or leaving the European Union is required to declare cash amounting to €10,000 or more, or its equivalent in other currencies. The declaration must be submitted on the prescribed form, either in writing or electronically, to the Customs Administration or border police.
The declaration requirement does not automatically prohibit the transfer of larger amounts; rather, the traveler must provide information about the owner, recipient, origin, and purpose of the funds. These rules are in place to prevent money laundering and the financing of illegal activities.
This case serves as another reminder that undeclared cash can be discovered during routine inspections of personal luggage, regardless of whether the money is distributed across multiple locations. Customs officers have the authority to request documentation and additional explanations, and in certain situations, funds may be temporarily seized. Timely declaration can help travelers avoid lengthy procedures, potential retention of funds, and the payment of legal penalties.
