North Ossetian customs have broken up an organized ring smuggling tobacco raw materials into Russia: officers seized 80 tonnes across several consignments and put unpaid customs duties at more than RUB 1.3 billion. Source: FCS Russia.
The scheme surfaced during operational inquiries. Consignments were declared for customs transit and brought in from Armenia via the Verkhny Lars checkpoint.
Shipping papers named a recipient in Kyrgyzstan, but the raw tobacco never left Russia. The documentation for the shipments was forged.
A criminal case was opened under Article 194(4) of the Russian Criminal Code for evading customs payments in an especially large amount as an organized group. The offence carries imprisonment of seven to twelve years and a fine of up to RUB 1 million.
