At Domodedovo Airport, customs officers stopped a foreign national arriving from Istanbul with a cache of 19th–20th century French coins hidden in his luggage. Source: FCS Russia.
In the green channel during selective control, an X-ray of hand baggage revealed 30 coins of various sizes, denominations and mint years taped to the underside of a removable suitcase lining.
The passenger said he had concealed the items for fear of theft in flight and was unaware that a declaration and permits were required.
An expert review found the coins were struck at the Paris Mint more than a century ago from a gold-based alloy and qualify as cultural property valued at RUB 1.7 million in total.
An administrative case was opened under Article 16.2(1) of the Russian Code of Administrative Offences (non-declaration). Penalties may include a fine of up to twice the goods’ value and confiscation.
Cultural property imported into Russia must be declared in writing on a passenger customs declaration, accompanied by an authorised expert opinion confirming that the items are cultural property.
