Sheremetyevo customs seized undeclared jewellery and gemstones worth more than RUB 8 million from a 48-year-old Russian woman arriving from Hong Kong. Source: FCS Russia.
On the green channel, X-ray screening of her hand luggage revealed five rings, three pairs of earrings, a bracelet and six brand certificates hidden in a neck travel pillow. A personal search found a necklace in a coat pocket; from a sneaker she produced a bag with 24 precious stones.
She said only three pieces were new and that she had owned the rest for a long time.
Testing established that the jewellery was 750-grade gold set with diamonds, emeralds, corundums, garnets, onyx and beryl. The zip-lock bag held uncut diamonds, kunzites, tourmalines and spinels.
A criminal case was opened under Article 226.1(1) of the Russian Criminal Code (smuggling of strategically important goods). The penalty may include up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to RUB 1 million.
