**Title: Ukrainian Woman Sentenced for False Declarations in €7.8 Million Cash Case**
A Ukrainian woman has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after being found guilty of making false declarations to customs authorities regarding nearly €8 million in cash she brought into Cyprus over a seven-month period. The 32-year-old woman was convicted by the Larnaca criminal court on Thursday, following her involvement in 20 separate trips to the island between August 2023 and March 2024.
The case came to light when the woman reported to police on March 1, 2024, that she had been robbed of €420,000 in Limassol by two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle. This report prompted an extensive investigation into the movement of large sums of cash through Larnaca airport.
During the inquiry, authorities discovered that the woman had entered Cyprus 20 times, carrying a total of €7,769,300 in cash. Initially, she was charged with money laundering and providing false information to customs. Investigators noted inconsistencies in her statements regarding the origin of the funds. Initially, she claimed that the money was a loan intended for purchasing residential property in Cyprus. However, during subsequent questioning, she changed her story, stating that the funds were from her personal savings. These contradictions were pivotal in the prosecution's case concerning false declarations.
Despite the charges, the court previously acquitted the woman of 20 money laundering charges, concluding that prosecutors had not established a link between the funds and criminal activity. A 43-year-old Ukrainian man, who was also implicated in the case, was similarly acquitted of money laundering allegations.
The investigation further revealed that shortly after reporting the robbery, the woman was seen entering a restaurant and handing a paper bag containing cash to another individual. This incident led to the arrest of the 43-year-old man, who was suspected of receiving the cash package, but he was later cleared of any wrongdoing related to money laundering.
In sentencing, the Larnaca criminal court considered several mitigating factors, including the fact that the woman had declared the cash upon her arrival in Cyprus and that she is a mother of two minor children. The court’s decision reflects a balance between the seriousness of the offense and the personal circumstances of the defendant.
This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the movement of large sums of cash and the need for stringent customs regulations to prevent potential money laundering activities. The authorities continue to monitor such cases closely to ensure compliance with financial laws and regulations.