22.3 C
Athens
Friday, May 16, 2025

Greece-Turkey CBMs: The 3rd Mechanized Brigade Welcomes Turkish Delegation

Confidence-Building Measures between Greece and Turkey As part...

DEFEA 2025: Nikos Dendias Inaugurates the International Defense Exhibition

Nikos Dendias Inaugurates the International Defense Exhibition...

AADE: €1.2 Million Seized Hidden Using the “Ant Method” – What Authorities Are Investigating

Greece - Greek News in EnglishAADE: €1.2 Million Seized Hidden Using the "Ant Method" – What Authorities Are Investigating

AADE: Nearly €1.2 Million Seized in Evros – “Ant Method” Used by Female Car Passengers

An unprecedented incident was uncovered at the Kastanies border crossing in Evros, when customs officers of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR, AADE) detected and seized €1,192,000 in cash that was being smuggled illegally from Turkey into Greece.

The money was discovered during a check of a passenger vehicle crossing the border from a neighboring country. The inspectors found the cash meticulously hidden on the bodies of three Greek women, concealed in specially designed belt pouches. This tactic is known as the “ant method” where funds are transported over multiple trips or by different individuals to avoid detection.

Bundles of euro banknotes hidden using the "ant method"
Bundles of euro banknotes hidden using the “ant method”

Investigation Into “Black Money”

Following the seizure, the case was referred to the Authority for Combating Money Laundering, which is investigating the origin of the funds.

If no connection to illegal activities is found, under current legislation, AADE will withhold 25% of the total amount and return the remaining 75% to the individuals involved.

The Second Largest Cash Seizure

The incident in Evros marks the second-largest cash seizure by Greek customs authorities. It is worth recalling that the largest was recorded on August 14, 2016, when €2,281,000 was discovered at “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport.

Authorities stress that border inspections have been intensified in an effort to combat the movement of undeclared funds and protect the economy from “black money” activities.

Latest News

Greece and Cape Verde Sign Military Cooperation Agreement at DEFEA 2025

Greece and Cape Verde strengthen defence ties with a new cooperation agreement signed at DEFEA 2025. On the sidelines of the DEFEA 2025 defence exhibition,...

Hellenic Naval Academy Tops the Naval Academies Regatta Once Again!

The Hellenic Naval Academy (HNA) secured first place at the Naval Academies Regatta 2025. For the third consecutive year, the Hellenic Naval Academy won the...

Historic T-6 Harvard Joins Hellenic Air Force Fleet

Induction Ceremony of the T-6 Harvard Aircraft into the Hellenic Air Force The Hellenic Air Force officially welcomed the historic T-6 Harvard aircraft (49-3424) into...

Dendias Meets Hungarian Defense Minister: Focus on ReArm Eligibility and Christian Protection in Middle East

Greek-Hungarian defense talks highlight EU's ReArm criteria, strategic cooperation, and protection of Christian populations in the Middle East. On May 5, 2025, Greek Minister of...