Customs officers at Novosibirsk's Tolmachevo Airport have thwarted an attempt to illegally export a large amount of cash. A 35-year-old foreign national was passing through customs control while preparing to fly to Dushanbe.
During the inspection, a canine handler and a service dog — a fox terrier named Bjorn — checked the passenger's carry-on luggage and discovered the hidden funds. It turned out that the passenger was carrying $39,100 to purchase a car abroad. According to legislation, the maximum amount that can be taken out of Russia without declaration is $10,000.
According to the Siberian Customs Administration, the passenger was aware of the established restrictions. Currently, a criminal case has been initiated regarding this incident under Part 1 of Article 200.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (smuggling of cash in a large amount).
For this violation, the law provides for a fine ranging from three to ten times the amount of the illegally transported funds or a restriction of liberty for up to two years.
