€52,000 in undeclared cash seized by customs department

Customs officers last night seized €52,000 in undeclared cash found on a passenger about to fly to Tripoli, according to a media statement.

The cash was reportedly discovered during the screening of passengers in the MIA departures lounge.

The passenger, a Libyan who identified himself as a businessman, claimed he was unaware of the National and EU laws which require the declaration of cash over €10,000.

Both the arrivals and the departures lounges have signs in several languages informing the passengers of this law.

Malta Customs said it is playing an active role in the World Customs Organisation Operation Chimera, which is a counter terrorism operation aimed at hampering cash movement funding terrorism groups.