MONEYBAGS: Man With Historic German Empire Banknotes Seized For Money Laundering

A driver with nearly EUR 19,000 in cash stashed in his car, as well as antique German currency, has been seized for money laundering by police in Germany.

Image shows the cash which was found in a 38-year-old man’s luggage, undated photo. Cops seized EUR 18,500 (GBP 16,000) and about 100 Reich banknotes from him on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (Polizeipraesidium Schwaben Sued, West/Newsflash)

The suspect had been stopped by border police for a routine check in Memmingen, Bavaria, on 11th December.

But after he tried to divert them from a search, police went through the car and were astonished to find bundles of cash packed into his luggage.

A further search discovered rare German Empire banknotes hidden around the car.

The collectors’ notes were reportedly Goldmarks, used as the gold standard-based currency of Imperial Germany from 1873 to the beginning of World War I in 1914.

Image shows the seized Reich’s banknotes, undated photo. They were found in a 38-year-old man’s luggage in the town of Memmingen, in Bavaria, Germany, on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (Polizeipraesidium Schwaben Sued, West/Newsflash)

The currency was considered to have a relatively stable value, as it was linked to gold deposits.

It continued to be printed after the Great War with a green seal, but was later replaced by the Reichsmark (1924-1948).

Police Headquarters Swabia South/West said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: “The Reich banknotes no longer have a direct equivalent value, but under certain circumstances they can fetch higher amounts in collectors’ circles.”

Lindau inspectors, meanwhile, initiated an investigation to determine the origin of the banknotes, and estimate what their value would be today.

Image shows the seized Reich’s banknotes, undated photo. They were found in a 38-year-old man’s luggage in the town of Memmingen, in Bavaria, Germany, on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (Polizeipraesidium Schwaben Sued, West/Newsflash)

The driver – who could not tell police where the money came from – is facing money laundering charges.