Data released on 19 October 2026 by Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) highlight intensified currency-control operations at Milan-Malpensa airport, the country’s second-busiest intercontinental hub. Between May and September officers, supported by Guardia di Finanza canine units and high-resolution baggage scanners, intercepted €13.7 million in undeclared cash – more than double the amount seized in the first quarter. Over 1 000 violations were recorded, half of them in July and August when outbound holiday traffic peaks. Typical routings involved passengers heading to Egypt, the Gulf, China and the Western Balkans. Travellers caught with sums above the €10 000 legal limit faced on-the-spot fines or, in 52 major cases, administrative seizure of up to 30 percent of the excess amount under rules introduced in 2025. For corporates moving high-value equipment, samples or other currency equivalents, the figures are a reminder to file advance electronic declarations and to brief staff on Italy’s strict controls, which are among the toughest in the EU. Failure to comply not only incurs penalties but can trigger anti-money-laundering investigations that delay onward travel. ADM says seizures reflect a risk-based approach that targets flights and passenger profiles statistically linked to cash movements, rather than blanket screening. Nevertheless, the upward trend suggests that compliance monitoring will remain intense in the run-up to the Christmas travel season.
Source: AGIMEG
