The value of the undeclared or contraband goods seized in customs posts in the first half of this year totals 102.4  million lei, an increase of about 60% compared with the corresponding period last year.

If the seized goods are criminal assets, special confiscation is applied by the decision of the court of law or the ascertaining body, the Customs service says in a response to an inquiry made by IPN News Agency.

Under the regulations approved by the Government, the goods are transmitted by the authorities that seized them to the State Tax Service for being sold. The goods that cannot be sold, processed or used as recyclable waste and those confiscated based on the provisions of the law on tobacco and tobacco products are destroyed. A relevant decision is taken by the head or deputy head of the tax inspectorate.

According to the Contravention Code, the purchase, keeping, transportation and sale of goods, products or raw material without proof of the origin are punished with a fine of 3 000 to 4 500 lei in case of private individuals and of 9000 to 15 000 lei in the case of legal entities.