As a result of operative-searching and investigative activities carried out, representatives of Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, detained three persons on the fact of smuggling particularly large amount of movable goods across the customs border of Georgia, by prior agreement as a group.

Conducted investigation determined, that the accused persons, in order to receive illegal material benefit and avoid customs duties, by prior agreement as a group, through the customs checkpoint “Sarpi”, from the Republic of Turkey to Georgia, hidden from customs control, using a MERCEDES-BENZ truck driven by one of the members of the group, have brought particularly large amount of various products made of 2 620 grams of gold and 6 189 grams of silver, intended for sale. Total market value of goods, according to the conclusion of the expertise, estimates GEL 429 111.

Investigation determined that smuggled gold and silver products, across the customs checkpoint, should have been sold in Tbilisi, on the territory of the so-called “Golden Exchange” located at the Station Square.

Investigations is underway under the fifth part of article 214 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisages imprisonment from 8 to 11 years.

Relevant investigative measures are being continued in order to identify and expose other persons involved in this crime.