What Happened to the Smuggled Luggage Brought from Turkey to Armenia? NSS Provides Details

Approximately 7 tons of luggage smuggled from Turkey to Armenia primarily consisted of new clothing, perfumes, and LED light panels. This was reported by the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia in response to an inquiry from Factinfo.

Recently, Factinfo reached out to the NSS for clarifications regarding the situation at the Bagratashen customs checkpoint, inquiring about the volume of goods imported by Armenian citizens from Turkey and the nature of the smuggled luggage.

The NSS response stated:

“The NSS of Armenia had already addressed the situation at the Bagratashen customs checkpoint on May 22, 2019. Considering the public interest in the issue, as well as a statement made today by the NSS Director during a press briefing, we would like to inform, after further clarification, that a truck loaded with approximately 24 tons of goods purchased in Turkey for commercial purposes was unloaded in the customs control zone. Subsequently, around 13.5 tons of this cargo was released from the customs control zone for import purposes in small batches by 1 bus and 5 minibuses.

It has been determined that out of the total 13.5 tons, 5,700 kg was declared and cleared as used clothing, rubber slippers, and socks, which only partially corresponded to the types of goods actually present. Additionally, 575 kg was declared as accompanying cargo, within the allowable size limit of 25 kg per person, while the remaining approximately 7 tons of cargo (mostly new clothing, as well as perfumes and LED light panels) was not declared at all.

The NSS actions at the Bagratashen customs checkpoint have initially received effective support from the respective divisions of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Armenia to uncover potential connections of certain customs officers with the illegal importation process and to calculate the damages incurred to the state.

Currently, together with the SRC, the actual amount of taxes and duties owed for the imported goods is being calculated, which can be returned to the legal owners after payment.”