# Gold smuggling at Hamzabeyli crossing

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gold-smuggling-at-hamzabeyli-crossing
> Updated: 2026-07-31T08:01:17.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

In mid‑July 2026 a Turkish bus steward was reported to have attempted to transport roughly €75,000 worth of gold jewellery across the Bulgarian side of the Hamzabeyli border. Later that month, Bulgarian customs officials at the same checkpoint intercepted a Romanian passenger traveling to Turkey, discovering €16,310 in cash and 228 g of gold concealed in his underwear and bag. The seizure, valued at about €25,000, prompted an administrative proceeding under Bulgarian money‑laundering and customs law. Together the incidents illustrate ongoing attempts to move precious metals through the Hamzabeyli gate and the heightened vigilance of border authorities.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Hamzabeyli Gate Seizes €16,310 and Gold Hidden in Passenger’s Underwear

Customs at Bulgaria’s Lesovo checkpoint on the Hamzabeyli border seized €16,310 and 228 g of gold hidden in a Romanian passenger’s underwear, initiating legal action.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hamzabeyli-gate-seizes-16310-and-gold-hidden-in-passengers-underwear

### 2026-07-13: Turkish bus steward smuggles €75k gold jewelry at Bulgaria border

Bulgarian customs seized €75k of 14‑carat gold jewellery hidden in a bus duct, belonging to a 53‑year‑old Turkish steward; he was detained, fined €2k and barred from leaving the country.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-bus-steward-smuggles-75k-gold-jewelry-at-bulgaria-border

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Cite as: Gold smuggling at Hamzabeyli crossing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gold-smuggling-at-hamzabeyli-crossing