Malian customs services foiled a major attempt at illegal currency transfer on Monday, November 18 at Bamako
International Airport.
On Monday, November 18, in the context of the fight against terrorism and cross-border crime, Malian authorities made a major seizure at President Modibo Keïta International Airport.
Officers from the Targeting Unit of the Directorate of Intelligence and Customs Investigations intercepted a Malian traveler in possession of 1,270,000 euros hidden in two carefully wrapped packages.
This operation foiled a sophisticated attempt at illegal currency transfer. The main suspect had sought the help of an accomplice with an access badge, hoping to bypass customs controls.
Alerted by the vigilance of the officers, the accomplice tried to flee, but was quickly apprehended and handed over to the competent authorities. This seizure is part of a series of similar interceptions carried out in
recent years by Malian customs.
In August 2024, an undeclared sum of 500,000 euros was discovered in a package at Bamako airport, destined
for Congo-Brazzaville.
A few days later, an additional 70,000 euros were seized from a passenger leaving for Dubai via Addis Ababa.
These incidents illustrate the significant use of Mali as a transit point for the illegal transport of currency.
The motivations behind these illicit transfers are multiple. They can include money laundering, financing criminal or terrorist activities, or tax evasion.
The uncontrolled movement of capital poses a significant risk to economic stability and national security.
This new interception comes as Mali hosts the 12th UEMOA Customs Officers Forum, focusing on the theme of “fragile borders” in a world facing terrorism and various forms of crime.
The Malian authorities thus reaffirm their commitment to strengthening border controls and to
working with regional partners to effectively combat these threats.
MD/ac/Sf/fss/as/APA