Customs officers at the international airport of Mineralnye Vody, Russia, have prevented the illegal export of 16 million rubles to Armenia; a 29-year-old Russian citizen had attempted to transport the funds, the Federal Customs Service of Russia reports.

The man was stopped in the “green” corridor during a random inspection. In his hand luggage, inspectors found five plastic bags with banknotes, the total amount of which was about 16 million rubles—equivalent to 220 thousand US dollars.

The offender explained that this money was intended to buy cars in Armenia. He was selecting cars for further resale through an online service, and planning their transfer to Russia together with his brother.

The man added that he was not aware of the restrictions on the export of cash from Russia to other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries.

An administrative offense case has been initiated on charges of failure to comply with prohibitions and restrictions.

The aforesaid funds were seized and placed in an evidence storage room.

The investigation is ongoing.

Earlier, a decree by the president of Russia had set restrictions on the export of Russian rubles from Russia to other EAEU countries.