Customs arrest at the airport: couple carrying 600,000 cigarettes!

Customs arrest at the airport: couple carrying 600,000 cigarettes!

On October 10, 2025, a couple caused a stir at Munich Airport when customs officers stopped them during a check. They had just passed the green exit for non-declarable goods when a whopping 600,000 cigarettes were discovered in several boxes. The find is not only a big problem for the two informal smugglers, but also causes tax damage of around 100,000 euros, as the Munich main customs office reports.

The couple were immediately arrested and criminal proceedings were initiated against them. The central connection to a comprehensive smuggling problem becomes clearer when one thinks of the operation in Hanover uncovered in January 2025, in which a total of 1.5 billion untaxed cigarettes were discovered and tax damage of almost 550 million euros was incurred. These large amounts make it clear that cigarette smuggling is a serious evil not only in Munich but throughout Europe.

The investigation continues

The Munich customs investigation office has already initiated further investigations to clarify the background and connections of the couple. Cigarette smuggling is increasingly seen as part of larger networks that operate across national borders. This also includes well-organized structures such as those identified in the recent investigations in Lower Saxony, in which cigarettes were smuggled into Europe in overseas containers from Turkey and Iran.

When you consider the dimensions, it quickly becomes clear that the smugglers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. European authorities are already working closely together to stop the processes. Cooperation between Belgian and Dutch customs investigators was also intensified, which resulted in the establishment of a joint investigation team.

Day of training at customs

While the investigation continues, the Munich Main Customs Office invites everyone interested to the information day, which will take place on September 26, 2026 on Landsberger Straße. Prospective customs officers can find out about career opportunities here. Registrations are possible at the email address provided.

The case at Munich Airport is another example of the challenges facing customs authorities in Germany and Europe. As developments in Hanover show, the chains of cigarette smuggling are long and investigators are always on the hunt for the masterminds behind the scenes. It remains to be seen how this case will develop and what new findings the Munich Customs Investigation Office can bring to light.

news.de reports that the preliminary arrest of the couple by customs officers at the airport could have far-reaching consequences and that the investigation will serve to dismantle the cigarette smugglers' network. Loud Press portal The officials want to uncover all connections. The experiences and findings from other cases show that the approaches of smugglers have to be continually adapted in order to take successful action against them. Visit the Customs for further details and information about upcoming investigations and clarifications into such crimes.