Two gemstone smugglers nabbed in Moscow airport on same day customs

RT.com
22 Oct 2025, 15:03 GMT+10

Officers confiscated emeralds, rubies, and sapphires worth around $180,000

Russian customs officers at Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport have stopped two seemingly unrelated attempts to smuggle gemstones into the country on the same day, according to a statement.

Both suspects, foreign nationals arriving from Asian countries via the United Arab Emirates on separate flights, failed to declare their high-value cargo to customs officials, the Federal Customs Service said on Wednesday

The first traveler drew attention after officers noticed a sealed bag containing a cream-like substance hiding four small suspicious items. Upon inspection, the package was found to contain four emeralds. During a further search, the man volunteered to produce seven additional precious stones in his possession.

The second alleged smuggler was stopped after security agents discovered a large pink gemstone concealed in his carry-on luggage.

Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation

In total, officials confiscated a trove of emeralds, rubies, and sapphires with an estimated combined value exceeding $180,000, according to the customs report.

Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation

Both individuals are under investigation and face potential fines and prison sentences of up to five years under Russian anti-smuggling laws, the agency said, releasing photos of the seized gemstones as evidence.

Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation

(RT.com)

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