Israeli Caught Smuggling Rough Diamonds

An Israeli citizen was caught at Bucharest's airport on Saturday trying to smuggle into the country 230 rough diamonds hidden in velvet bags sawn into his pockets.

 

According to reports, the 45-year old Israeli, identified as Yitzhak Z., tried to pass customs’ green lane at Bucharest's Henri Coanda airport, but was stopped by authorities for a search. It is unknown if it was a random search or that customs officials acted on a tip.

The man, who arrived on a flight from Israel, said after the rough diamonds were found that they were bought in Israel and that he had no documentation for them, a violation of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme.

The goods were confiscated and the man was fined 20 million lei ($617) by police, it said in a statement.

Police began investigating the man, who was not taken into custody according to one report, however Romanian TV said he was taken into custody.