German Man Faces Prison for Smuggling Gold Worth 90 Million Roubles into Russia

A 58-year-old German man was arrested for attempting to smuggle gold worth over $982,500 into Russia. Caught at the Pskov border, he faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million roubles. This incident adds to the ongoing tensions amid Russia's war in Ukraine.

A German national has been apprehended for attempting to smuggle gold valued at over 90 million roubles ($982,500) into Russia. The 58-year-old man was stopped by customs officials and FSB officers in Pskov while carrying 13 kilograms of gold bars in his motor home, the local customs authority confirmed via Telegram on Monday.

Pskov, situated approximately 20 kilometers from Russia's border with Estonia, serves as a significant checkpoint. The German foreign office has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident when approached by Reuters.

The Pskov customs authority has initiated a criminal case. If convicted, the man could face up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to 1 million roubles. The incident underscores the growing complexities and heightened tensions, particularly involving Western citizens, amid Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. ($1 = 91.6000 roubles)

(With inputs from agencies.)