Customs control at Bad Wünnenberg: Ford Mustang ensured without papers!

On January 8, 2025, the Bielefeld main customs office reported a control of a small van on Autobahn 44. The transporter approved in Romania was loaded with a Ford Mustang and was checked at the Sintfeld rest area near Bad Wünnenberg. In the vehicle, there were four men aged 25 to 43 who were traveling from Great Britain to Romania. The Ford Mustang had an estimated value of around 40,000 euros and should be transferred to a client.

like Westfalen-blatt could not be presented for imports to Germany. This led to a suspicion of tax evasion, which caused criminal investigations. The import taxes for the sports car were more than 12,000 euros that could not be paid at the control location. The Bielefeld customs then temporarily ensured the vehicle.

other goods and legal consequences

In addition to the Mustang, other goods such as a motorcycle, television, game consoles and tools were found. After payment of around 1,400 euros, these could be taken. The responsible criminal and fines of the customs office has taken over the further investigation.

According to the regulations on customs evasion, goods from non-EU countries up to a total value of 300 euros may be introduced free of charge, for flight and pairing operators it is 430 euros and for travelers under 15 years. If these free quantities are exceeded, import levies must be paid and the goods must be registered at the customs office.

in relation to customs evasion, as well as Bussgeld catalog , highlights of up to 50,000 euros can be imposed if the tax reduction is lightly reduced. For intentional customs evasion, fines or imprisonment of up to five years threaten. Particularly serious cases can even be punished with prison terms between six months and ten years.