HONG KONG customs officers have seized of 145 kilograms (320 lbs) of gold bars, worth around HK$110 million (US$14.1 million) in a Japan-bound air cargo, breaking the record for the largest bust of its kind, reported the hong Kong Free Press.
Hong Kong Customs on March 25, 2025, detected a suspected air freight gold bullion smuggling case, and seized about 145 kilograms of suspected gold bullion at Hong Kong International Airport.
'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 on Tuesday, according to the statement.
It was the second case of suspected gold smuggling from Hong Kong to Japan this month. On March 5, customs seized about 64 kilograms of suspected gold bullion valued at HK$46 million in another Japan-bound air cargo, declared as carrying toys, lamps, and hats.
The suspected gold bars 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.
'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 HK$2 million and seven years in jail.
SeaNews Turkey
Hong Kong Customs on March 25, 2025, detected a suspected air freight gold bullion smuggling case, and seized about 145 kilograms of suspected gold bullion at Hong Kong International Airport.
'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 on Tuesday, according to the statement.
It was the second case of suspected gold smuggling from Hong Kong to Japan this month. On March 5, customs seized about 64 kilograms of suspected gold bullion valued at HK$46 million in another Japan-bound air cargo, declared as carrying toys, lamps, and hats.
The suspected gold bars 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.
'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 HK$2 million and seven years in jail.
SeaNews Turkey
