HONG Kong customs officers have seized 145 kilogrammes of suspected gold bars, worth around HKD110 million (US$14
HONG Kong customs officers have seized 145 kilogrammes of suspected gold bars, worth around HKD110 million (US$14.1 million), in a Japan-bound air cargo, breaking the record for the largest bust of its kind. 'This is the largest gold bullion smuggling case detected by Customs on record in terms of the seizure volume and market value,' the Customs and Excise Department said in a statement.
Authorities found the gold bars concealed in outbound air cargo, declared as carrying plastic suitcases, at Hong Kong International Airport, according to Hong Kong Free Press.
It was the second case of suspected gold smuggling from Hong Kong to Japan last month.
On March 5, customs seized about 64 kilogrammes of suspected gold bullion valued at HKD46 million in another Japan-bound air cargo, declared as carrying toys, lamps, and hats.
The suspected gold bars intercepted were concealed in a 'Russian doll-like' fashion, according to local media reports. They were found inside plastic suitcases that contained two smaller suitcases and a double-locked black briefcase.
Customs officers found abnormal signs in X-ray images of the cargo and conducted an inspection, which revealed that the shipment weighed more than declared.
'An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out,' the statement said.
It warned that smuggling is a serious offence that carries a maximum penalty of HKD2 million and seven years in jail.
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