Officers from the Subcarpathian National Revenue Administration (KAS) in Poland have thwarted an attempt to illegally transport three gold bars across the border. According to the official report by KAS, a 46-year-old Ukrainian national was caught attempting to smuggle the precious metal into Poland by hiding it under her clothing.
The incident occurred at the Krościenko-Smolnica border crossing. During a routine vehicle inspection, customs officers discovered three one-kilogram gold bars. The total value of the seized gold is estimated at approximately 1.5 million PLN (over 350,000 EUR). In addition to the bullion, law enforcement authorities seized 23,400 EUR in cash from the individual to secure potential future fines and proceedings.
Polish tax authorities reminded the public that under European Union regulations, all travelers entering or leaving the EU are strictly required to declare cash, financial instruments, or physical valuables (including gold bullion) if their total value meets or exceeds the threshold of 10,000 EUR. Failure to declare such assets constitutes a violation of customs law and leads to immediate confiscation, as well as potential criminal charges.
The Subcarpathian Customs and Tax Office in Przemyśl has launched an official investigation into the matter. This case underscores the rigorous enforcement of border security and financial reporting requirements within the Schengen Area. The authorities emphasized that ignorance of the law does not exempt travelers from liability. As international scrutiny of cross-border financial flows intensifies, such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the necessity for transparency and strict compliance with EU customs regulations. The detained individual is now facing formal charges for breaching Polish customs legislation.