Sheremetyevo customs officers stopped an attempt to smuggle a large consignment of Soviet-era phaleristic items and cultural valuables to China — a case involving a «large batch of USSR state awards». Source: FCS Russia.
Officers seized 455 state decorations, 37 archival documents and a bronze bust of Marshal Kliment Voroshilov, with a total value exceeding RUB 600,000. A Russian national tried to take the items abroad; he was stopped in the green channel during selective inspection.
Baggage and hand luggage screening revealed numerous medals, orders, insignia and archival papers among personal belongings. The traveller said the items were part of a private collection but produced no proof of lawful acquisition.
Expert examination confirmed authenticity: 292 of the 455 awards were made more than 50 years ago and classified as cultural valuables, including medals For Courage, For Combat Merit, For Victory over Germany, For the Capture of Berlin, For the Defence of Moscow, orders of the Red Star, the Badge of Honour and others.
A criminal case was opened under Article 226.1(1) of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (smuggling of cultural valuables); the article provides for up to five years’ imprisonment.
