Kaliningrad customs officers found undeclared Swiss watches worth more than RUB 12 million on a driver entering Russia from Poland via the Bagrationovsk checkpoint. Source: FCS Russia.
The 45-year-old man was wearing the valuable metal watch; the box and receipt were in the boot. A dual Russian and German citizen, he claimed the watch did not work and that he had paid EUR 2,000 for it.
Examination identified collector’s F.P. Journe Invenit et Fecit timepieces with automatic movements and titanium cases and bracelets.
A criminal case was opened under Article 194(1) of the Russian Criminal Code for large-scale evasion of customs duties, punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to RUB 500,000.
FCS Russia notes that individuals may import goods by land worth up to EUR 500 without customs payments; above that limit, a passenger customs declaration and duty payment are required.
