During investigative operations, Central Excise Customs officers found 2,862 plastic cans and metal drums of motor oil worth more than RUB 9 million at a warehouse in Moscow Region; the lubricants had been unlawfully brought in from Belgium. Source: FCS Russia.
Tests showed the contents were mineral petroleum oil from bituminous rocks while customs documents declared synthetic product.
Investigators believe importer executives ran a scheme to mislead buyers, increase profit, and move goods across the EAEU border with incorrect classification.
The stock was seized.
A criminal case was opened under Article 226.1(2)(v) of the Russian Criminal Code for large-scale smuggling of strategically important resources by an organized group; penalties include up to ten years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to RUB 1 million.
