At Domodedovo Airport, customs officers seized three undeclared Hermès handbags worth a total of RUB 6.2 million from a 30-year-old Russian passenger arriving from the UAE. Source: FCS Russia.
He was stopped in the green channel during selective control: plastic bags held branded boxes with a white and a blue Kelly and a black Birkin.
The traveller said a stranger in Dubai had given him the bags and that he did not know what was inside; he also claimed he was unfamiliar with customs rules.
An expert review confirmed the bags were genuine and made of calf leather. The goods were seized.
Two administrative cases were opened under Article 16.2(1) of the Russian Code of Administrative Offences (non-declaration) and Article 16.3 (breach of prohibitions and restrictions). Penalties may include a fine of up to twice the goods’ value and possible confiscation.
