"Alexander and Boris"....in trouble

[El Presidente]

 

I suspect they are stepping on some toes with people who already have their fingers in the Cuban contraband pie 

 

Two flight attendants from a Russian airline accused of smuggling after returning from a trip to Cuba

The two individuals did not declare the goods they were carrying upon arriving in Moscow.

Two flight attendants from the airline Rossiya, identified as "Alexander" and "Boris," are at the center of a smuggling scandal after attempting to bring large quantities of Cuban tobacco into Russia.

The incident occurred after they both returned from a three-day vacation in Varadero.

According to a local news outlet, the crew members took advantage of their employment status to secure discounted tickets and fly to the Island, a popular destination for Russian tourists.

However, upon returning to Moscow, they attempted to go through the "green corridor" at the airport, which is reserved for passengers with no declared goods.

 

His behavior caught the attention of customs authorities, who conducted a routine inspection of his luggage.

The outcome was revealing: Boris was carrying 80 Cuban cigars, including a box of Habanos with 25 cigars, as well as other packages containing ten units each.

In total, the value of the products was estimated at over 130,000 rubles (about 1,230 dollars).

Alexander, for his part, was carrying 70 H. Upmann cigars, also divided into packages, with an approximate value of 180,000 rubles (around 1,702 dollars).

Legal implications and possible aggravating factors

Smuggling large quantities of tobacco is considered a serious crime in Russia.

According to Article 226.1 of the Penal Code of that country, the undeclared importation of strategic goods, such as tobacco, can result in penalties of up to seven years in prison.

Authorities have also noted the possibility of aggravating circumstances, as there are suspicions that this was not the first time the crew members engaged in such illegal activity.

In the Russian black market, Cuban cigars represent a profitable business.

It is estimated that transporting 50 cigars from Cuba can generate profits of up to $300, highlighting the motivation behind smuggling.

Cuban Customs in the Spotlight

The fact that the flight attendants managed to smuggle 150 cigars without being detected by Cuban customs raises serious doubts about the effectiveness of controls on the island.

Tobacco, one of Cuba's main exports, is often subject to strict scrutiny at customs due to its high value in international markets.

One possibility is that Boris and Alexander benefited from their status as airline staff, as crew members are usually subject to less rigorous inspections.

Another theory points to internal corruption, a persistent issue in a country where low wages may incentivize illicit practices. It is not ruled out that smugglers have bribed customs officials to ensure the smooth passage of goods.

Other cases of smuggling in Russia

This is not an isolated case. In recent months, Russian authorities have uncovered smuggling attempts ranging from branded clothing to valuable antiques.

According to the media outlet TURPROM, the so-called "shuttles" - passengers transporting contraband goods from abroad - have also been intercepted on multiple occasions.

In response to these incidents, Russia has intensified its customs controls at airports and ports. Trade restrictions and the economic situation have increased the frequency of smuggling, prompting authorities to bolster surveillance to combat these practices.

As of the closing of this report, the airline Rossiya has not released any official statements regarding the incident.

[riderpride]

Sounds like they've found a couple of patsies so to speak. Frag - I've been flagged for 50 with officers yelling before I was let go. Pay the extra duty and begone lol.

Cheers

[nKostyan]

There were a lot of such stories immediately after the resumption of flights, which were stopped due to the pandemic. Special idiots are trying to smuggle thousands of cigars. All this is fake, but customs officers rate it as Habanos. Imagine what the amount will be for 1000 Behikes... and this is serious contraband.

In 2021, I helped our late friend Nino transport his strategic cigar stocks from Cuba via Moscow to Germany. He introduced me to his Cuban customs friend Lisi. The girl said that only idiots carry more than 50 cigars to Moscow, real smugglers use donkeys, who are given the legal 50 cigars and after they pass the inspection in Moscow, they are taken away. You can easily transport thousands of cigars that way.

[BrightonCorgi]

I had a roommate pick me up a box of Habanos in the mid 90's from Europe. Came back with a US Customs confiscation notice that cost me $250 😒