Customs officials in Potsdam seize over 11,000 euros in cash from a traffic stop on the A10 highway.

In a routine check on the A10 near Königs Wusterhausen, a customs dog named Bobby made an unexpected discovery. The furry investigator found 11,682.55 euros in cash hidden in a black backpack inside a Sprinter with a Lithuanian license plate.

The two occupants of the vehicle, who were traveling from Lithuania to the UK, have since come under investigation for potential money laundering. The brothers, whose names have not been publicly disclosed, have been arrested at the A10 exit Niederlehme near Königs Wusterhausen.

According to customs officers, the origin of the cash appeared inconsistent, leading to suspicions of money laundering. No documents were provided to prove the source of the funds. Consequently, the Main Customs Office Potsdam seized the cash and initiated a fine procedure for the improper declaration of cash.

The investigation is now being handled by the Joint Financial Investigation Group Brandenburg, who are delving deeper into the case. The two vehicle occupants claimed they had been on vacation in Lithuania and were working in the UK. However, they previously answered "no" to a question about carrying goods subject to consumption tax, prohibited or restricted goods, or cash worth 10,000 euros or more.

The 44-year-old passenger claimed ownership of the black backpack containing the cash. The total amount found was 1,720 euros and 8,515 British pounds.

For more information about the Main Customs Office Potsdam, please visit [email protected] or www.zoll.de. The investigation remains ongoing, with further details being handled by the Joint Financial Investigation Group Brandenburg.