Spanish police have seized more than €800,000 in cash after discovering bundles of banknotes stuffed inside sports bags in an Audi Q7 during a roadside check in Cadiz.

The money was found during a Guardia Civil operation on the A-381 motorway near Medina Sidonia on the night of May 28.

Officers stopped the SUV, which was occupied solely by the driver, as part of a routine vehicle and identity check.

According to the Guardia Civil, the driver’s behaviour immediately raised suspicion after he appeared visibly nervous upon seeing police.

A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered two sports bags on the rear seats containing large quantities of cash in banknotes of varying denominations.

The driver was unable to provide any documentation proving the origin of the money or demonstrating that he was legally entitled to transport such a large amount of cash.

While no arrest has been made, officers confiscated the money and issued an administrative sanction under Spain’s anti-money laundering legislation.

Under Spanish law, residents can transport up to €100,000 in cash within national territory without prior notification. Any amount above that threshold must be declared to the tax authorities using an S1 form.

For non-residents entering or leaving Spain, cash movements of more than €10,000 must also be declared.

The seized sum was more than eight times the domestic reporting threshold.

The investigation remains open while authorities work to determine the origin and intended destination of the money.

The Guardia Civil regularly carries out checks on major transport routes in southern Spain as part of efforts to combat money laundering, organised crime and drug trafficking networks.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.