A woman traveling from Dubai was stopped for a routine baggage check in the "green" customs corridor. During the scan, authorities discovered she was carrying luxury jewelry, including a Messika My Twin Trilogy ring and a Cartier watch, both made of 750-carat gold. The items were adorned with 323 diamonds, making them exceptionally valuable.
The passenger claimed that the jewelry was a gift from her husband and that she was unaware of its worth. However, the discovery has led to a potential criminal case under Article 226.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which deals with the smuggling of strategically important goods. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to one million rubles.
This incident is not isolated. Earlier, a Russian woman was caught attempting to smuggle nearly 1,600 pieces of jewelry from Turkey to Sochi. The items, hidden under her clothing, were valued at approximately 56 million rubles. Such cases highlight the ongoing challenges customs officials face in intercepting illegal imports of high-value goods.
As the investigation continues, the woman's fate remains uncertain. Her case serves as a stark reminder of the severe penalties associated with smuggling, even when the individual claims ignorance of the law.
