German Customs Impounds Violinist’s Guarneri, Demand €380K To Return It

“Belgium-based Yuzuko Horigome was transiting through Frankfurt Airport last week after performing in Japan … When she tried to walk through the green gate for travellers arriving in the EU with nothing to declare, customs officers stopped her and said she needed to pay 190,000 euros in duty on her 1741 Guarnerius violin.” (They’re now demanding an additional 100% fine.)