Dutch driver fined €19,200 for smuggling Aston Martin Vanquish at German border

A 52‑year‑old Dutch driver attempted to import an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish from Switzerland by transporting the car in a sealed trailer to the German border. German customs officers stopped the driver, inspected the trailer and discovered the un‑declared vehicle. The driver claimed the car was for a client and that Dutch import duties would be paid later, but customs required immediate declaration.

The driver was fined €19,200, covering roughly 10 % import duty plus VAT on the car’s estimated value of €62,000, bringing the total cost above €80,000. A tax‑evasion procedure has been opened against the driver.