According to a press release by FCS Russia, Sheremetyevo customs officers prevented an attempt to smuggle cash worth more than USD 36,000 equivalent.
An Australian national flying to Guangzhou planned to take the money out illegally. Detector dog Charlie, a Labrador, indicated baggage in the green channel, prompting an inspection.
The 43-year-old passenger said he was carrying about USD 40,000. Inspectors found EUR 15,000, USD 21,900 and AUD 10,000 in his suitcase.
A criminal case was opened under Article 200.1(1) of the Criminal Code (large-scale cash smuggling). Penalties range from a fine of three to ten times the amount to restriction of liberty for up to two years.
FCS Russia reminds travellers that since 2 March 2022 Presidential Decree No. 81 temporarily bans exporting cash foreign currency above USD 10,000 equivalent. Imports above that threshold require written declaration; amounts over USD 100,000 need proof of origin. Declaring cash does not trigger duties or taxes on the declared sum.
