Investigation at the Otopeni Customs Office after nearly 700,000 euros disappeared from a storage area

The Romanian Customs Authority notified the police and launched an internal investigation after nearly €700,000 disappeared from a storage room belonging to the Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport Border Customs Office for Passengers. The missing money was discovered during return procedures, after the case was closed.

The money had been seized on January 9, 2026, following a customs inspection of a passenger arriving from Dubai at Henri Coandă International Airport. The money was subsequently transferred to a space designated for storing goods until the legal situation was clarified.

Under the procedures, the employees responsible were required to prepare a cash inventory and record the banknote serial numbers. When the bag was checked, after the order to close the case had been issued, the authorities found only one banknote and sheets of paper.

The storage room had no video surveillance system, but the access corridor was monitored. The police are investigating the circumstances of the disappearance and any possible responsibility, while the internal investigation is focused on compliance with procedures and employees’ access to the room.