At Pulkovo Airport, officers seized undeclared luxury watches and jewellery worth more than RUB 6 million from a 38-year-old Russian national arriving from Dubai. Source: FCS Russia.
The passenger was stopped in the green channel during selective controls. Among personal items in his baggage, inspectors found a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet and earrings, as well as a Bulgari ring. When offered a personal X-ray scan, he himself took a Bulgari watch out of his hoodie pocket.
He said he was carrying the valuables at the request of other people.
Expert examination established that all items were made of 750 gold alloy; the watch and the ring were set with diamonds.
A criminal case was opened under Article 226.1(1) of the Russian Criminal Code (illegal movement of strategically important goods). The penalty may include up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to RUB 1 million.
