German Government Hassles Japanese Violinist For Expensive Violin Without Receipt

Make sure you carry a receipt with your million dollar violin or cello??

from http://japandailypress.com/japanese-violinist-yuzuko-horigome-has-instrument-seized-in-germany-customs-demands-500000-229886

Japanese violinist Yuzuko Horigome has instrument seized in Germany, customs demands $500,000

By Adam Westlake  /   August 22, 2012  /   7 Comments

World-recognized violinist Yuzuko Horigome had her $1.2 million violin seized by German customs as she was transferring through Frankfurt Airport last week. The Belgium-based professional musician was returning to Europe after a performance in Japan, and had her 1741 Guarnerius violin with her. Despite having made the trip several times before without problem, she is now being told that she must pay close to $500,000 in order to have her instrument returned.

Upon her arrival in Germany, Horigome did as she has always done and tried to pass the gate for travelers who had nothing to declare to customs. Unfortunately, this time officers stopped her and said she would be required to pay 190,000 euros (approx. 18.77 million yen/$236,700) in duty on the valuable and rare violin. Even more ridiculous, they added more fins on top, bringing the total owed to 380,000 euros (37.5 million yen/$474,000). All of this because she didn’t have any documentation for her purchase made in 1986.

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