Macedonian customs officers stopped an attempt to bring €200,000 in undeclared cash into the country after inspecting a Hungarian citizen’s vehicle at the Tabanovce border crossing.
The vehicle was selected for a detailed inspection after customs officers became suspicious. The money was discovered in three separate black bags hidden among the traveler’s personal belongings.
Authorities returned €10,000 to the traveler—the amount permitted under Macedonia’s foreign exchange regulations—and temporarily seized the remaining €190,000.
Undeclared Cash Hidden in Three Bags
During the initial search, customs officers found a black cloth bag containing €65,000 inside a handbag positioned near the vehicle’s gearshift.
A further inspection uncovered another small black bag in a backpack on the back seat. The bag, which had been covered by a computer, contained €37,650.
Officers then searched a suitcase located on the back seat and found a third black bag hidden among clothing. It contained another €97,350.
The three amounts brought the total undeclared cash discovered in the vehicle to exactly €200,000.
€190,000 Seized at Macedonia Border
Under the country’s Foreign Exchange Operations Law, authorities returned €10,000 to the Hungarian traveler.
The remaining €190,000 was retained, and customs officers issued an official certificate documenting the seizure.
Authorities also filed a misdemeanor complaint against the traveler over the attempted illegal transfer of undeclared foreign currency into Macedonia.
