Recently, German customs officers at Stuttgart Airport confiscated expensive clothing and bags from two women, with a total value of 114,000 euros. Both women were planning to fly to Russia via Turkey. The reason for the confiscation was suspected violations of the sanctions imposed on Russia.
Russia prohibits the import of luxury items worth more than €300 each. The list of prohibited goods includes cars, motorcycles, wine, horses, alcohol, cigars, musical instruments, clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, porcelain dishes, artwork, and many electronic products, such as coffee makers, microwaves, and smartphones. This is not an exhaustive list.
During the inspection, it was revealed that the tourists' luggage consisted almost entirely of items from well-known brands. Moreover, shortly before their attempted departure, the women sent seven large packages to Russia, one of which was confiscated in Leipzig. This package contained goods worth 12,000 euros.
A criminal case was opened against the detained women for suspected violations of the Foreign Trade Law, which regulates compliance with sanction measures. Before leaving Germany, the women agreed to provide a deposit of 105,000 euros as they awaited possible fines.
Despite the pressure of sanctions, Russia has repeatedly claimed its ability to cope with them. However, opinions in Western countries question the effectiveness of such measures. Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the policy of containment and weakening of Russia is a long-term strategy of the West, but it is also a serious blow to the global economy as a whole.
The details of the 15th package of sanctions by the European Union against Russia have become known. It should be noted that at the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia called on the international community not to rely on unilateral sanctions but to lift them. Pankin noted that the sanctions not only harm Russia but also other countries, leading to higher prices for food and energy resources.
