At Sheremetyevo Airport, customs officers seized undeclared jewellery from well-known houses worth more than RUB 7 million from a 40-year-old Russian woman arriving from Hong Kong. Source: FCS Russia.
In the green channel during selective control, a metal detector revealed five Van Cleef & Arpels bracelets fastened around her neck as a necklace, plus five rings, earrings and two bracelets by Bulgari, Cartier and Messika.
Among personal items in her baggage were another ten bracelets, ten pairs of earrings, a ring and three pendant chains of the same brands. She said she had bought the pieces for herself and her large family.
An expert review found the items were made of 750-fineness gold, 950-fineness platinum and 925-fineness silver with inlays of diamonds, cubic zirconia, mother-of-pearl, onyx and carnelian.
A criminal case was opened under Article 226.1(1) of the Russian Criminal Code for smuggling strategically important goods. The penalty may include up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to RUB 1 million.
