Hamzabeyli Gate Seizes €16,310 and Gold Hidden in Passenger’s Underwear

Customs officials at the Bulgarian side of the Edirne Hamzabeyli Border Gate, Lesovo checkpoint, stopped a bus carrying a Romanian citizen traveling to Turkey. During a joint inspection by the border police and customs guard, the passenger was found to have concealed €16,310 and 228.20 grams of gold – a gold bar and gold coins – in his underwear and bag. Experts valued the gold at about €25,115.

The seized cash and precious metals were confiscated, and an administrative procedure was opened against the traveller under Bulgarian Money and Customs legislation. Authorities said the case underscores the ongoing efforts to curb illicit cash and metal smuggling at the border.