At Sheremetyevo Airport, customs officers seized undeclared jewellery and branded accessories worth RUB 36 million from a 46-year-old Russian woman arriving from Dubai. Source: FCS Russia.
She was stopped on the “green” channel in the VIP hall during selective screening. Hand luggage and checked baggage contained 14 pieces of jewellery, 19 pairs of earrings, 4 pairs of shoes and 6 accessories from Cartier, Bulgari, Piaget, Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels, GRAFF, Tiffany&Co, Boucheron, Chaumet, Chanel and Dior. The passenger said the items were personal and that she was unfamiliar with customs rules.
Expert examination confirmed the goods were genuine: 750-grade gold and 950-grade platinum with diamond, sapphire and beryl settings.
A criminal case was opened under Article 194(2) of the Russian Criminal Code (evasion of customs payments on an especially large scale); the offence may carry up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to RUB 500,000.
After admitting guilt, she paid RUB 9 million in customs duties and transferred to the federal budget compensation of more than RUB 18 million — twice the damage assessed — and the case was discontinued.
