Inspectors at Krasnodar and Central Postal Customs seized 317 semi-precious stones worth more than RUB 9 million in twelve international parcels from Thailand addressed to a Krasnodar resident. Source: FCS Russia.
Shipping papers described the contents as glass and costume jewellery. Expert examination identified faceted semi-precious minerals, including amethyst, corundum, spinel, chrysolite, aquamarine, scapolite and tourmaline.
Operational inquiries showed the stones were imported for resale on online marketplaces. The consignments were not declared, and the amount of customs duties due exceeded RUB 2.5 million.
A search at the woman’s home led to the seizure of more than 20,000 additional precious and semi-precious stones.
Four criminal cases have been opened: three under Article 226.1 of the Russian Criminal Code on smuggling strategically important resources, and one under Article 194(1) on evasion of customs payments. The penalty may include up to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to RUB 1 million.
The operation was carried out jointly with the Krasnodar Territory office of the Federal Security Service.
