Earlier this week, Mogilev customs officers stopped an illegal transport of fruit worth more than Br75,000 (€27.500) to Russia, it was learned from the State Customs Committee.

Seven cars driven by temporarily unemployed Russian citizens were stopped by law enforcement officers in Khotimsk District (Mogilev Oblast). The cargo included apples, pears and lemons (almost 60 tonnes of fruit).

The drivers did not have the necessary shipping documents, including phytosanitary certificates. Customs officers found that the goods were intended for further sale in the Russian markets. Moreover, some of the drivers were prosecuted for similar offenses in 2019.

The Mogilev customs drew up protocols of administrative offenses under Part 4 of Article 12.17 of the Administrative Offenses Code. The article provides for a fine of up to 30 base amounts (1 base amount is Br27), and in case of an individual entrepreneur or a legal entity - up to 50% of the value of the subject of administrative violation, the amount of profit received from the sale of goods.