Customs officers stationed at the Malta International Airport have seized €19,000 in undeclared cash while carrying out routine cash controls at the departures hall.

A Maltese passenger, departing to Istanbul, was one of the passengers selected for the controls and upon asking her how much cash she was carrying, she presented €26,000. After searching her belongings a further €3,200 were elevated.

As required by law, €10,000 were handed over to the passenger, whilst the rest were seized to be presented in court when she is arraigned. Even though there are several signs across the arrivals and departure lounges, the passenger decided not to declare this money prior to boarding her flight. The economic crimes unit was duly informed.

EU and national legislation requires travellers to declare to Customs any amount of cash of €10,000 and over. This legislation is enforced in a bid to target and hamper money laundering, the Customs Department said in a statement.