Croatian customs officers, in cooperation with the Dubrovnik-Neretva Police, have intercepted an Albanian citizen attempting to smuggle €702,435 in cash out of the country. The incident occurred at the Karasoviq border crossing, marking one of the largest cash smuggling busts ever recorded in Croatia.
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| €700,000 euros seized bz Croatian police |
The Discovery: How Croatian Authorities Found the Hidden Cash
The seizure happened during intensified anti-smuggling operations at Croatia’s southern borders. Officers from the Anti-Smuggling Service and Mobile Units of Dubrovnik were conducting routine checks when they noticed irregularities in the vehicle driven by the Albanian national.
A thorough inspection followed, revealing €702,435 hidden in concealed compartments. This large sum of undeclared money is one of the biggest cash confiscations Croatia has seen in recent years.
The driver, identified as a citizen of Albania, was immediately detained and the cash was seized on the spot. The case has attracted significant media attention both in Croatia and Albania, due to the nationality of the suspect and the size of the smuggled amount.
Failure to Declare and Legal Violations
Under European Union regulations, any traveler carrying €10,000 or more must declare it when entering or leaving the EU. The Albanian driver failed to do so — neither in writing nor electronically — violating both Croatian and EU customs laws.
Instead of making a declaration, the suspect hid the money inside the car, attempting to bypass customs control. Such actions are considered a criminal offense involving potential money laundering or financial crime.
The seized amount of €702,435 was confiscated, and the Albanian citizen was arrested and handed over to the detention authorities for further investigation.
Statement from Croatian Customs and Police
In an official statement, the Croatian Customs Administration praised the effective cooperation between customs officers and border police, emphasizing that this case demonstrates Croatia’s strong stance against illegal financial activities.
“This successful operation once again proves the vigilance of our officers in protecting the borders of the European Union and preventing illegal cash transfers,” said the Customs Administration.
Authorities added that such seizures are crucial in the fight against organized crime, smuggling, and money laundering in the region.
Albanian Connection Raises Regional Concerns
The involvement of an Albanian national has raised concerns about cross-border cash smuggling routes involving the Western Balkans. Both Croatian and Albanian media have reported widely on the case, noting that Albania has been mentioned in several recent investigations linked to illegal money transfers through EU borders.
Experts say that this incident underscores the growing role of Albania as a key transit point for cash and goods smuggling between the Balkans and Western Europe. It also highlights the need for stronger cooperation between Croatian, Albanian, and EU authorities to monitor suspicious financial flows and prevent criminal networks from exploiting open borders.
Karasoviq Border — A High-Risk Crossing Point
The Karasoviq border crossing, located near Dubrovnik and close to the Montenegro border, has become a critical point for customs surveillance. Due to its strategic location, it serves as a major route connecting Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia, making it a hotspot for illegal trade and smuggling attempts.
Croatian authorities have recently increased control measures at this checkpoint, using advanced scanning technologies, trained dogs, and intelligence-led inspections. The discovery of more than €700,000 hidden in a single vehicle proves the importance of these tightened controls.
What Happens Next
The Albanian suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities are now examining the origin of the money and whether it is linked to organized crime, tax evasion, or money laundering operations.
If convicted, the driver could face serious criminal charges, including imprisonment and permanent confiscation of the seized funds. The Croatian judiciary has already opened a case, and cooperation with international law enforcement agencies is underway to trace the money’s source and destination.
A Warning for Travelers
Croatian authorities have issued a strong warning following this case: travelers must declare all cash above €10,000 when crossing EU borders. Failure to do so can lead to seizure, arrest, and criminal prosecution.
This record-breaking case involving an Albanian citizen serves as a reminder of the strict regulations in place to combat financial crimes within the European Union.
The seizure of €702,435 from an Albanian citizen at Croatia’s Karasoviq border crossing represents not only one of the country’s largest cash smuggling cases but also a clear message that Croatia is intensifying its fight against illegal financial operations.
This case reinforces the importance of transparency, border security, and regional cooperation in ensuring the integrity of EU financial systems. As investigations continue, both Croatian and Albanian authorities are expected to work closely to uncover the full network behind this smuggling attempt.