Customs officers in Brest uncovered an attempt to illegally transport 20 items of cultural value across the border. The items were being brought from Poland by a married couple, both Belarusian citizens, travelling by car through the Brest border crossing point.
The couple chose the green channel, declaring that they were carrying only personal belongings, including clothing and fishing equipment. Hidden among their possessions were 29 pieces of tableware and cutlery made of silver, copper and zinc. After the items were discovered by a customs officer, the couple stated that an unknown individual had asked them to transport the antiques across the border in exchange for payment.
An expert from the Customs Laboratory determined that 20 of the examined items, all manufactured more than 50 years ago, qualify as cultural valuables. The total estimated value of the items seized pending a court decision is approximately 10,000 Belarusian roubles.
Administrative proceedings have been initiated against the couple under an article concerning the illegal movement of goods across the border. The offence carries a penalty of a fine of up to 30 base units, with the possible confiscation of both the goods and the vehicle.
