Customs: German accused of smuggling gold to Russia

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Russian authorities have initiated criminal proceedings against a German national who allegedly attempted to smuggle 13 kilograms of gold bars hidden in a mobile home, customs officials said on Monday.

The 58-year-old, whose name was not disclosed, faces up to five years in prison and a fine, according to the Russian customs service.

“After searching the vehicle … the inspectors noticed rectangular briquettes. Smaller sticks were also found in the luggage among the personal items,” it said.

The value of the gold bars exceeds 90 million rubles (900,000 euros, 1 million dollars), they added in a statement, publishing photos showing gold bars of various sizes.

The van was stopped in the Pskov region, which borders Belarus, Latvia and Estonia. However, customs did not disclose where the German is currently staying.

In recent years, several Western citizens, particularly Americans, have been arrested in Russia and charged with serious crimes.

Washington accuses Moscow of arresting US citizens on baseless charges in order to use them as bargaining chips for the release of Russians convicted abroad.

On August 1, Russia released US reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and 14 others in the largest prisoner exchange with the West since the Cold War.

bur/tw