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)

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Iran Herald.

More Information

Business

Section

Apple’s iPhone 17 outpaces iPhone 16 in early China, US sales

BEIJING, China: Apple's iPhone 17 series has gotten off to a stronger start than its predecessor, with early sales in China and the...

Dow Jones advances 218 points as broader market consolidates

NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock markets ended Tuesday's session on a mixed note, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average advancing while...

Sam Altman says ChatGPT will soon permit adult content option

WASHINGTON, D.C.: ChatGPT may soon be allowed to have adult conversations after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company will let verified...

Samsung family plans $1.2 billion share sale after stock rally

SEOUL, South Korea: Members of Samsung's founding family plan to sell 1.73 trillion won (US$1.22 billion) worth of shares in Samsung...

U.S. stocks rally on hopes for end to shutdown

NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stocks closed sharply higher on Monday, marking a strong start to the week as upbeat earnings and easing...

Trump unveils 25% truck tariffs, new incentives for US automakers

WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders to expand credits for American auto and engine production while...

Middle East

Section

Seven children 3 women, among 11 killed in Israeli strike

GAZA - A family of eleven, including 7 children, and three women have been killed in an attack by the Israeli army, just inside the...

"No American boots on the ground in Gaza," says US Vice President JD Vance during Israel visit to reinforce ceasefire efforts

Kiryat Gat [Israel], October 22 (ANI): United States Vice President JD Vance reaffirmed on Tuesday that Washington will not deploy...