- Russian border authorities apprehended a German individual carrying 13 kilograms of pure gold in a haulage vehicle.
Russian border officials have apprehended a German individual carrying around 13 kilograms of gold at the border, halting his intended journey into Estonia. The captured gold consisted of 21 bars of different sizes, estimated to be worth over 90 million rubles (over 900,000 euros) as per a statement issued by customs in Moscow. The 58-year-old had transported the valuable metal in his camper van while trying to cross the border in the Pskov region en route to Estonia. The gold bars bore the imprints of a Western firm.
As per Russian authorities, the man neglected to declare the valuables. He now faces the possibility of criminal penalties for smuggling strategically vital goods. Reportedly, he has been placed under house arrest, with a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to one million rubles (approximately 10,000 euros) if found guilty.
Smuggling Gold Could Earn You Up to Five Years Behind Bars
Based on the customs statement, Russian officials, including those from the internal security service FSB responsible for border control, conducted a search of the camper. They identified the rectangular metal bars stashed away in a cabinet, along with smaller gold bars discovered during a search of the man's personal belongings.
The source of the gold remains undetermined. As the Moscow invasion continues, several foreigners residing in Russia are attempting to transfer their prized possessions overseas for security. Moreover, EU sanctions have been imposed on gold exports from Russia, as well as many other raw materials.
The man's neglect to declare the gold bars led to the imposed customs duties being bypassed. If found guilty, he could be fined a significant amount due to the high value of smuggled gold, equivalent to millions of euros.
