At the "Orlivka" border crossing in the Odesa region, customs officials seized more than $270,000 and 500 euros in undeclared cash. The driver attempted to smuggle the currency into Turkey by hiding bundles in his socks inside the headlights, door sills, and under the hood of the minivan.
This was reportedby the State Customs Service of Ukraine.
A report was filed regarding the transportation of currency assets concealed from customs control. A corresponding notification was sent to law enforcement agencies. The foreign currency, worth over 12 million hryvnias, and the vehicle were temporarily seized.
According to customs officials, during a scan of the “Mercedes” minivan, anomalies were detected in its structural cavities. A subsequent inspection, conducted with the participation of officers from the SBU Office in the Odesa region, revealed the presence of hiding places containing cash.
Customs officials noted that the bundles were placed in the sills under the front doors, as well as in hard-to-reach compartments under the hood—specifically where the cabin air filter is located—and inside the headlight housings. They also noted that the banknotes were wrapped in black socks, packed in plastic, and secured with adhesive tape.
The State Customs Service noted that accessing the money required the removal of certain structural components of the vehicle.
