Pskov customs officers uncovered a substantial stash of cash during a routine check on a minibus carrying Ukrainian nationals bound for Latvia. The find was confirmed by the press service of the North-West Customs Administration. The incident is part of ongoing efforts to monitor cross-border movements and ensure compliance with financial controls at the border.
According to official statements, officers at the Burachki customs post halted the vehicle for inspection. Inside the transport, investigators discovered a covert arrangement designed to conceal currency. The ministry reported that the travelers from Ukraine attempted to transfer roughly 9.5 million hryvnias from Russia, an amount roughly equal to 257,000 US dollars at current exchange rates.
The driver and all passengers claimed they had nothing to declare and no goods or money requiring declaration. Yet, a methodical examination of the car using specialized scanning and inspection equipment revealed irregular gaps within the trunk area where the money had been concealed, suggesting deliberate concealment to evade standard controls.
At present, authorities are considering filing a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 200.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which covers cash smuggling on a particularly large scale. The case underscores the legal framework that governs currency transfers and the penalties for attempting to move large sums without proper declaration or documentation.
Earlier reporting notes ongoing concerns in the Odessa region about bribe requests from drivers involved in the delivery of food supplies. This broader pattern has prompted calls for improved oversight and anti-corruption measures across customs and related agencies as authorities push for more transparent procedures and stricter enforcement at points of entry and exit.