Authorities intercept undeclared tobacco and cash
Cypriot authorities arrested two women of Russian descent holding Cypriot citizenship after discovering €150,000 in cash during a customs check at the Agios Dometios checkpoint on 12 March 2026.
The Department of Customs reported that the driver and passenger were found transporting two boxes of 200 cigarettes each, 12 boxes of 200 heated tobacco sticks each, and two packages of rolling tobacco weighing 100 grams. The tobacco products lacked the legally required health warnings in Greek and Turkish, indicating they were undeclared and untaxed.
Temporary arrest and seizure of items
During the inspection, customs officers found €150,000 in cash in the passenger’s bag. The women could not provide clear explanations or documentation regarding the source or intended use of the money. Both were arrested on the spot for immediate offences. The vehicle and the tobacco products were seized as instruments of the potential crime.
Release after settlement
The women were later released, and the vehicle was returned after they agreed to an out-of-court settlement, paying a total of €600 for the offences. The suspicious cash was retained by customs for further investigation in collaboration with the Cyprus Police and the Financial Investigation Unit (MOKAS).
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