Customs control on the highway: driver with Mustang in the threat!

Customs control on the highway: driver with Mustang in the threat!

The main customs office in Bielefeld checked a van on Autobahn 44 on January 8, 2025, which was approved in Romania and transported a Ford Mustang. The control took place at the Sintfeld rest area near Bad Wünnenberg. There were four men aged 25 to 43 in the vehicle who traveled from Great Britain to Romania. The Ford Mustang, whose estimated value is around 40,000 euros, should be transferred to a client in Romania.

The tax collectors could not present any customs documents for importing the vehicle to Germany during the check, which was suspected of tax evasion. This suspicion led to a criminal investigation. The import taxes for the sports car were over 12,000 euros, which the transporters could not pay. For this reason, the customs temporarily confiscated the vehicle.

Investigations and consequences

goods from non-EU countries may be introduced free of charge, as long as their total value does not exceed 300 euros. A higher exemption limit of 430 euros applies to flight and sea operators and 175 euros for travelers under the age of 15. If these exemption is exceeded, the goods must be registered at the customs office. bussgeldkatalog.org explains that in the event of incorrect or incomplete information towards the financial authorities or customs administrations, there is a risk of serious legal consequences.

customs evasion and sanctions

customs evasion is seen as a serious violation, which can be associated with both financial and criminal consequences. The fine for careless tax reduction can be up to 50,000 euros, while intentional customs evasion is punished with a fine or imprisonment of up to 5 years. Particularly serious cases can even result in a prison sentence between 6 months and 10 years, as can be seen from the information on the topic.

It should be emphasized that there is also the possibility of a criminal voluntary self -disclosure if it is complete and error -free. The law firm recommends in such cases to consult a lawyer for customs law in order to build up the best possible defense.

The situation illustrates how important the correct declaration of goods is in importing to Germany, especially with regard to the outdoor limits mentioned and the relevant legal provisions. Customs controls can be expected when entering, and non -compliance with the declaration obligation can lead to strict financial and legal consequences.