Evangelos Rizos, a 53-year-old Greek man, was prosecuted for carrying undeclared €18,150 while leaving the Republic of Albania.
Albanian Seizes Greek Citizen Over Non-Declaration of Cash
According to the authorities, Rizos drove his vehicle to the second-line pass control at the country’s exit. During this control, authorities saw the questionable and undeclared amount the suspect tried to conceal.
“As a result of the maximum commitment of the Border police services of Kakavije, in cooperation with the customs authorities, for the prevention and attack of border crimes, in addition to the work to provide a quality and ethical service to citizens at the entrance/exit, it has been found and struck 1 case of non-declaration of funds,” the police said.
After case procedures, the materials will be referred to the Prosecutor’s office. It will initiate the litigation for Rizos and the undeclared money seized from him. The procedural materials were submitted to the Prosecution at the Court of First Instance of the General Jurisdiction of Gjirokaster for further undertaking.
Importance of Cash Declaration in Albania
The Republic of Albania mandates that travellers declare monetary values at Border Crossing Points or face the consequences.
According to Law Amendment 9917 dated May 15, 2008, the Customs Administration informs all individuals, must declare the amount of cash they carry whether entering or leaving the territory of the Republic of Albania. It includes any kind of instrument negotiable of the holder, valuables and antiques, and metals or precious stones.
The amount to be declared ranges from €10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. Moreover, the declaration must include the purpose of their possession and submit relevant supporting documents.
The Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, in accordance with its provisions, will handle a non-declaration of cash or false declaration case.
Penalties imposed on undeclared amounts from €10,000 to €19, 999 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies is €20,000 for first-time offenders. The fine for second-time offence is 10% and 30% of the undeclared value for other cases.
For amounts ranging from €20,000 to €49,999 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies, the fine is €40,000 for first-time offenders. The penalty for a second-time offence is 20% of the undeclared value and 40% of the undeclared value for other cases.
When the undeclared amount reaches more than €50,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies, the penalty comes to €60,000 for first-time offenders. For second-time offenders, the cost is 30% of the undeclared value and 50% of the undeclared value for other cases.
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