Malpensa: €6m in cash seized in 3 months
Finance Police and Customs checks reveal violations for over €6 million in undeclared cash.
Contesto
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 i...
Dettagli operativi
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. ### 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 adop...
Punti chiave
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
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What are the penalties for transporting undeclared cash?","a":"Penalties for transporting undeclared cash vary depending on the amount exceeding the 10,000 euro threshold. For excesses up to 10,000 euros, the penalty is 15%, while for excesses up to 40,000 euros, the penalty is 30%. Beyond these thresholds, the penalties are even higher."},{"q":"How can I avoid penalties during checks?","a":"To avoid penalties, it is essential to always declare amounts over 10,000 euros and provide the necessary documentation to attest to the legitimate origin of the money. Using financial instruments such as bank transfers can also help avoid the physical transport of cash."},{"q":"What happens if I do not declare cash over 10,000 euros?","a":"If you do not declare cash over 10,000 euros, you risk incurring heavy penalties. Customs authorities can seize the excess amounts and initiate investigations into the origin of the money. It is therefore essential to always be informed and prepared."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the penalties for transporting undeclared cash?
- Penalties for transporting undeclared cash vary depending on the amount exceeding the 10,000 euro threshold. For excesses up to 10,000 euros, the penalty is 15%, while for excesses up to 40,000 euros, the penalty is 30%. Beyond these thresholds, the penalties are even higher.
- How can I avoid penalties during checks?
- To avoid penalties, it is essential to always declare amounts over 10,000 euros and provide the necessary documentation to attest to the legitimate origin of the money. Using financial instruments such as bank transfers can also help avoid the physical transport of cash.
- What happens if I do not declare cash over 10,000 euros?
- If you do not declare cash over 10,000 euros, you risk incurring heavy penalties. Customs authorities can seize the excess amounts and initiate investigations into the origin of the money. It is therefore essential to always be informed and prepared.