FCS Russia said that customs officers at Kazan Airport stopped a commercial shipment of goods made from rare reptile leather imported on forged CITES certificates.
The offence was detected during baggage checks on a 39-year-old traveller arriving from Istanbul. His suitcase contained 612 wallets, purses and ladies’ handbags.
The items were made from python, crocodile, monitor lizard and viper leather and are valued at about RUB 2 million.
The man produced a CITES certificate purporting to authorise import, but verification showed the document was counterfeit.
A criminal case was opened on signs of Article 226.1(1) of the Criminal Code (illegal movement of strategically important goods), punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to RUB 1 million.
