Gold bars found in a baby’s diaper at the border

Two attempts to illegally take gold bars and a large amount of cash out of the country using children were foiled at the «Navoi» border customs post in Tashkent Region. This was announced by Husan Tangriyev, press secretary of the chairman of the Customs Committee.

It was reported that a woman leaving Uzbekistan attempted to smuggle two gold bars weighing nearly 200 grams in total across the state border by hiding them inside her infant child’s diaper. The violation was detected during an inspection conducted by customs officers.

In addition, when the woman’s personal belongings were inspected, jewelry weighing 70 grams in total, which had not been declared to customs, was also found. It was reported that the total value of the gold bars and jewelry she attempted to take out of the country amounted to nearly 450 million soums.

In another case, a citizen of a neighboring country attempted to take $40,000 in cash across the border after hiding it under the clothes of her 14-year-old daughter. However, this violation was also promptly detected and prevented by customs officers.

It should be noted that under the current procedure, individuals may take out of Uzbekistan cash currency in an amount not exceeding 100 million soums without restrictions, provided they comply with customs regulations. This procedure applies equally to resident and nonresident individuals of the country.

In addition, under the law, involving a minor in committing an offense or crime is considered an aggravating circumstance. Such a violation may carry a fine of 10 to 30 times the basic estimated amount. If a minor has been involved in committing a crime, the guilty person may be sentenced to 5 to 10 years in prison.

Customs authorities are currently continuing their inquiries into the two cases. Law enforcement agencies are conducting a legal assessment of all the circumstances.