Italian Driver Fined 13,200 Euros for Undeclared Cash at EU Border

Croatian customs officials have fined an Italian driver 13,200 euros for attempting to illegally bring 65,000 euros into the European Union without declaring it. The incident occurred at the Bajakovo border crossing on June 24, 2026.

The driver, operating a Romanian-registered car, failed to report the significant sum of cash, which is a mandatory requirement for anyone carrying 10,000 euros or more when entering or exiting the EU. This rule is in place to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities.

Customs officers discovered the undeclared money hidden beneath the third row of seats in the vehicle. As a result, the Italian national faced legal proceedings for violating the Law on Foreign Exchange Operations. The substantial fine underscores the strict enforcement of declaration rules for cash carried across EU borders.

The Customs Administration reiterated its warning to travelers, emphasizing that the purpose of the declaration is not to restrict cash movement but to ensure financial transparency and security. Failure to comply can lead to significant financial penalties.