Malpensa: €6m in cash seized in 3 months

Context

In brief

• 6.1 million euros seized in 3 months
• 473 passengers with undeclared cash
• Fines totaling 370,000 euros

Key facts

• What: Checks on passengers with undeclared cash
• When: January-March 2026
• Where: Malpensa Airport
• Who: Guardia di Finanza and Customs Agency
• Amount: 6.1 million euros seized

At Malpensa, over 6 million euros in cash exceeding the allowed threshold were discovered in three months. This is the result of the control activity conducted at Milan Malpensa Airport by the Guardia di Finanza of Varese together with officials from the Customs and Monopoly Agency. Between January and March, checks were carried out on over 700 passengers entering and exiting the national territory. Of these, 473 were found to be in possession of sums exceeding 10,000 euros, the limit beyond which declaration is mandatory. The violations involved both Italian and foreign citizens, often heading to countries such as the Arabian Peninsula, China, Turkey, Senegal, and Egypt.

Concealment methods

Various tricks were used to hide the money: cash hidden in clothing or luggage, but also more sophisticated forms. In many operations, the nose of Yoltan, a German Shepherd 'cashdog' trained to detect the smell of banknotes, proved decisive, as well as the use of scanners for luggage checks. Among the most peculiar cases was that of an Italian citizen residing abroad, stopped upon departure with 12 US gold coins worth over 18,000 euros.

Fines and seizures

Overall, the activity led to the administrative seizure of approximately 234,000 euros, collected by the Treasury according to the new regulatory provisions, and the imposition of fines totaling around 370,000 euros. The checks are part of a broader system to combat illegal money flows and continue with further investigations to verify the origin of the intercepted sums.

The new law

The Legislative Decree No. 211/2024, in force since January 17, 2025, regulates the cross-border transfer of cash, strengthening controls against money laundering and illegal financing. The obligation to declare sums equal to or exceeding 10,000 euros remains, both when entering and exiting Italy, including instruments assimilated to cash such as checks or gold coins. The regulation introduces more streamlined and immediate procedures: in case of violation, the 'immediate oblation' is provided, which allows closing the dispute immediately by paying a reduced fine (15% of the excess up to 10,000 euros, 30% up to 40,000 euros). Beyond these thresholds, higher fines apply. The decree also strengthens the control powers of the Guardia di Finanza and the Customs Agency, which can proceed with the seizure of the exceeding sums and initiate investigations into the origin of the money, within the framework of activities to prevent financial crimes.

The cash dogs

The 'cash dogs' of the Guardia di Finanza are canine units specialized in detecting cash, trained to recognize the smell of banknotes through a targeted and progressive training path. The selection starts with dogs with outstanding olfactory abilities, behavioral balance, and a predisposition to work, often German or Belgian shepherds. The training is based on the positive reinforcement method: the dog learns to associate the smell of money with a reward, such as play or food. Initially, work is done in controlled environments, then in increasingly complex contexts, simulating real situations such as airports, suitcases, or vehicles. The dogs are trained to signal the presence of cash without damaging it, with passive behaviors such as sitting or stopping. Fundamental is the bond with the handler, who is trained together with the dog to correctly interpret its signals. Training continues even after operational deployment, with constant exercises to maintain the dog's abilities at a high level.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The reinforced checks at Malpensa have a significant impact on cross-border workers who frequently travel between Italy and Switzerland. With the entry into force of the new decree, it is crucial that cross-border workers are aware of the new regulations and the penalties for transferring undeclared cash. The 10,000 euro threshold is a strict limit, and exceeding it without declaration can result in heavy fines. The €10,000 threshold in Article 4 of Italian Law No. 83/2023 applies exclusively to employment income earned continuously and exclusively by Italian residents in a foreign border area or neighbouring country, as referred to in Article 1(175) of Law No. 147/2013; it is neither a general allowance nor an exemption from Swiss withholding tax.

Procedures for travelers

To avoid problems, travelers must follow some key procedures: 1. Mandatory declaration: If you are carrying amounts exceeding 10,000 euros, you must complete a declaration with the customs authorities. 2. Documentation: Always keep documentation at hand that proves the legitimate origin of the money. 3. Use of financial instruments: Consider using bank transfers or other financial instruments to transfer large sums, thus avoiding the physical transport of cash.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the entry into force of the new decree, the penalties for transporting undeclared cash were less severe. With the new provisions, penalties have been increased and control procedures have become stricter. This change aims to more effectively combat money laundering and illegal financing, thus protecting the legal economy.

Practical scenarios

Imagine a cross-border worker who regularly travels between Varese and Lugano. If this cross-border worker needs to transfer an amount exceeding 10,000 euros, they must declare it to the customs authorities. Otherwise, they risk incurring heavy fines. It is therefore essential to always be informed and prepared to avoid unpleasant surprises during checks.

Conclusion

The checks at Malpensa represent a concrete example of the new measures adopted to combat money laundering and illegal financing. For cross-border workers, it is essential to be aware of the new regulations and follow the correct procedures to avoid penalties. The collaboration between the Guardia di Finanza and the Customs Agency is fundamental to ensuring the security and legality of money transfers.

Useful tools to protect your net income

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Key points

What to do in case of a check

If you are subjected to a check at Malpensa and you are in possession of cash exceeding 10,000 euros, it is important to follow these procedures: 1. Immediate declaration: Immediately inform the customs authorities of the presence of cash exceeding the allowed threshold. 2. Documentation: Provide all necessary documentation to attest to the legitimate origin of the money. 3. Collaboration: Collaborate with the authorities during the check, providing all the information requested.

Useful tools

To always be updated on regulations and procedures to follow, you can use the cash calculator available on our site. This tool will help you calculate the allowed cash thresholds and better understand the penalties provided.

Final conclusions

Checks at Malpensa represent a concrete example of the new measures adopted to combat money laundering and illegal financing. For cross-border workers, it is essential to be aware of the new regulations and follow the correct procedures to avoid penalties. Collaboration between the Guardia di Finanza and the Customs Agency is fundamental to ensuring the security and legality of money transfers.

Final CTA

For more information and to use the cash calculator, visit our site and discover how to protect yourself from penalties and travel safely.

Source: varesenews.it