Ussuriysk customs seized Japanese Empire-era awards from a 57-year-old foreign national travelling to China by scheduled bus through the Pogranichny checkpoint. Source: FCS Russia.
X-ray screening of his backpack revealed three medals — “For Participation in the Manchurian and First Shanghai Incidents” (1934), “For Participation in the China Incident” (1934) and “In Commemoration of the Ascension of Emperor Shōwa” (1928) — plus a wound decoration “Shōigunjinshō” (1938).
The passenger said the phaleristics items were intended for a lecture and produced no permits for export.
Experts assessed the medals as more than 90 years old and the badge as more than 80. Two administrative cases were opened under Article 16.2(1) of the Code of Administrative Offences (undeclared goods) and Article 16.3 (breach of prohibitions and restrictions); the sanctions include a fine and confiscation.
FCS Russia notes that individuals exporting cultural valuables as goods for personal use need a permit from the Russian Ministry of Culture and must lodge a passenger customs declaration.
