Russia halts illegal transfer of 16M rubles to Armenia

Customs officials at Mineralnye Vody Airport have prevented the illegal transfer of 16 million rubles (around $220,000) to Armenia, Russia’s Federal Customs Service said, according to TASS.

A 29-year-old Russian man attempted to smuggle the cash out of the country, the statement said.

During an inspection of his carry-on luggage, customs officers found five plastic bags containing a total of 16 million rubles.

The man told officials that the money was intended for purchasing cars in Armenia.

“He selected vehicles through an online service for subsequent resale and, together with his brother, planned to arrange their further shipment to Russia. He also said he was unaware of restrictions on transferring cash from Russia to Eurasian Economic Union countries,” the customs service said.

The funds have been seized and placed in an evidence storage facility. An investigation is under way.