Фото: t.me/customs_bel
Brest customs officers discovered three antique icons in the possession of a Belarusian woman. The icons were classified as cultural property.
As the State Customs Committee reported, the woman, who permanently resides in Germany, attempted to bring the icons into Belarus through the Brest border crossing. She was traveling in a car with German license plates and chose the red channel to declare the vehicle for temporary import. During an oral questioning, she stated that she had no goods subject to customs declaration with her.
During an inspection of the car’s interior, customs officers found icons hidden under covers in the seat pockets: “Our Lady of Akhtyrka,” “Our Lady of Tolga Eleusa,” and “Our Lady of All Who Sorrow.” According to an expert assessment by the Customs Laboratory, the icons were made in the Russian Empire more than 50 years ago. They date from the 17th–18th centuries, the 19th century, and the early 20th century. The total estimated value of the items classified as cultural property exceeded 6,000 Belarusian rubles.
The icons have been seized pending a court decision. Administrative proceedings have been initiated against the woman under Part 2 of Article 15.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.