Austrian customs officials found 700,000 euros in cash in the luggage of two cousins at the airport of the capital Vienna. traveling to the Turkish city of Istanbul, DPA reported, quoted by BTA, referring to a statement by the Ministry of Finance of Austria.
Initially during the inspection, 320,000 euros were seen in the hand luggage of one of the passengers in question. When asked if they were carrying more money, they answered "No". Subsequently, another 380,000 euros were found in their already checked baggage for the plane's hold.
The cousins claimed they intended to spend their money in Turkey.
The amount has been seized, and proceedings have been initiated against the men, DPA informs. There is a requirement to declare cash over 10,000 euros as a countermeasure against the illegal transfer of amounts for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing, the office of Austria's Finance Minister Magnus Brunner announced.