Society

17 January, 2026 / 08:42

/ 7 days ago

Smuggling foiled at Palanca crossing point of Moldova: hundreds of coins, equipment for euro production seized

Metal matrices meant for the production of euro coins and hundreds of commemorative coins have been detected during baggage checks at the Palanca border crossing point. A Moldovan citizen and a non-resident woman were documented. Both were traveling from Ukraine to Moldova.

According to the Border Police, following the inspection, metal matrices (dies) intended for the minting of 2-euro coins were found in the luggage of a passenger in a Porsche Cayenne. The matrices showed characteristics specific to the coin production process, including inscriptions and symbols similar to the ones used on the euro. At the same time, the border authorities note that, both the driver and the passenger – a 44-year-old compatriot – declared that they were not transporting any goods subject to declaration.

The second case involved a Mercedes Sprinter minibus, operating on the Odesa – Chisinau route, with 20 passengers on board. In the luggage of a 52-year-old non-resident woman, a scan with specialized equipment revealed 430 undeclared commemorative coins.

In both situations, the goods were seized and investigations are ongoing, in order to establish all circumstances and take the appropriate legal measures.

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