Angolan police have arrested a 45-year-old Chinese national at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport for possession of undeclared foreign currency. Authorities confirmed the arrest on Monday, August 25, 2025.
The incident occurred on August 23, as the individual prepared to board Qatar Airways flight QR-1492 to Doha. During a routine baggage inspection, Customs and Excise officers discovered $11,600 and €1,930 concealed in a black backpack. The funds had not been declared, in violation of Angola’s securities regulations.
“The discovery of undeclared currency constitutes a breach of national financial regulations and is treated seriously by Angolan authorities,” police said in an official statement sent to APA.
The Chinese citizen has been placed in preventive detention, and legal proceedings are ongoing. Police emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the case follows proper judicial procedures.
Customs authorities in Angola regularly conduct inspections at international airports to prevent the illegal movement of funds and to uphold the country’s financial security framework. The regulations require travelers to declare amounts exceeding the permitted thresholds, with failure to comply subject to legal action, fines, and potential detention.
This case highlights the Angolan government’s continuing efforts to monitor foreign currency flows and reinforce compliance with national financial laws. Officials have urged travelers to be fully aware of the reporting requirements when carrying significant amounts of foreign currency to avoid legal repercussions.
Authorities did not release further details about the individual’s intentions or whether any additional parties were involved. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The arrest adds to a series of enforcement actions at Luanda’s airport aimed at curbing the undeclared movement of cash and maintaining transparency in Angola’s financial system.
About The Author
