Russians caught trying to smuggle over 100 kg of gold, silver abroad

In Russia’s Zabaykalsky Krai, a gang of 16 people was caught attempting to smuggle more than 106 kilograms of precious metals abroad, worth a total of 398 million roubles ($5.03 million), Irina Volk, the Russian Interior Ministry spokesperson, has announced.

According to investigators, the scheme involved 14 Russian nationals and two foreign citizens, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The smugglers purchased illegally mined gold and silver, melted the metals into bars, and then attempted to sell them abroad illegally.

During searches, law enforcement officers seized more than 32 kilograms of chemically pure gold and silver worth approximately 114 million roubles ($1.44 million).

The criminal case, with an indictment approved by the prosecutor’s office, has been submitted to the Zabaykalsky District Court for consideration on the merits.

By Khagan Isayev