The FCS of Russia notes a decrease in the volume of illegal cash transfers by individuals in 2023

In 2023, the FCS of Russia records a decrease in the amount of cash illegally moved by individuals across the state border.
Thus, the total amount of cash that citizens tried to hide from customs control amounted to 1.88 billion in ruble equivalent, which is 10.5% lower than last year’s figures. In total, more than 11.3 thousand attempts of illegal movement were recorded.
Most of them were attempts to smuggle dollars and euros. Most often cash was exported to Turkey, UAE, Azerbaijan, China, Uzbekistan, Serbia and Israel, and imported from Turkey, UAE and Azerbaijan.
On the facts of illegal export of cash totaling Br1.36 billion, 48 criminal cases and 9,678 cases of AP were initiated, including 6,801 cases of AP related to the export of foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of $10,000.
Thirty-three criminal cases and 1,604 cases of administrative offenses were initiated in connection with the illegal importation of foreign currency worth a total of Br521.7 million. The indicators have decreased by 43.1% and 24.4% respectively, which is due to the reduced flow of foreign tourists visiting Russia this year.
BACKGROUND
The FCS of Russia reminds that cash exceeding the equivalent of 10 thousand dollars is subject to mandatory written declaration when moving across the customs border of the EAEU.
In case of simultaneous movement of currency in the amount of more than 100 thousand dollars by one individual to the passenger customs declaration will be required to attach documents confirming the origin of such funds.
These rules apply to both import and export of cash. However, as of March 2, 2022, the existing rules were supplemented by Presidential Decree No. 81, which temporarily prohibits the export of foreign currency in cash from the Russian Federation in an amount exceeding the equivalent of $10,000. Since October 15, 2022 such cash can still be taken out of the country with the permission of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.
The written customs declaration of cash does not imply the collection of any duties and taxes on this amount.