During routine cash control inspections at the non-schengen departure lounge, a Maltese passenger travelling to Thailand was found to be carrying over €36,000 euros in cash, customs officials have said.

The passenger was travelling to Thailand to invest said money, but stated that he was not aware of this law, which is enforced in all EU member states.

A total of € 26,355 were withheld by the customs officials pending investigations, whilst the allowed €10,000 euros were returned to the passenger. The Police Economic Crimes Unit was duly informed and the passenger did not continue his journey. He will be arraigned in court in the coming days.

According to Maltese  legislation any person entering or leaving Malta, or transiting through Malta, and carrying a sum equivalent to €10,000 or more shall be obliged to declare such sum to Customs.

This can be done at any arrival or departure customs point in EU air and sea ports, were a cash declaration form is filled. This form is recognized by all customs authorities in the EU and will ensure conformity with the law. The customs department would also like to stress that there are no limitations to how much cash you can carry, as long as cash in excess of €10,000 is declared as required by law.