Large-scale smuggling of cultural property at Kapitan Andreevo
An attempt to illegally export antique items was intercepted during a specialized customs inspection at the Kapitan Andreevo Border Checkpoint. Customs Agency officials discovered nearly 4,636 artifacts hidden in a truck with Turkish registration.
The truck driver stated to the authorities that he was transporting only metal molds from Turkey to Germany.
How were the artifacts discovered?
- Risk analysis: The truck was selected for a thorough inspection based on a risk profile.
- The hiding place: The smuggled items were hidden in a side compartment of the semi-trailer, buried under ropes and chains.
- Method of transport: The antiques were packed in 31 packages taped shut.
What does the confiscated shipment contain?
Expert analysis determined that the items found are of exceptional historical value and date back to the Antiquity and Middle Ages periods. The total weight of the findings is 17.690 kg and includes:
- 3,216 ancient coins made of white and non-ferrous metal;
- 1,128 ancient rings;
- 292 items resembling arrowheads, seals, and jewelry.
The artifacts are currently being held, and an administrative violation report has been filed against the vehicle's driver. Work on the case continues with the aim of precisely dating and identifying the cultural property.