Lithuanian customs seize luxury wine worth over €15,000 bound for Russia

Lithuanian customs officers have intercepted a shipment of high-end wine worth more than €15,600 that Russian citizens attempted to smuggle into Russia in violation of EU sanctions, LRT reports.

During a routine inspection at the Šalčininkai border checkpoint, Vilnius Regional Customs officials stopped a Citroën car driven by Russian nationals. The vehicle was found carrying approximately 19.5 litres of luxury wine, including bottles from renowned producers such as Château Trotanoy Pomerol, Petrus Pomerol, Louis Roederer Champagne, Le Petit Cheval, and Grand Vin de Léoville.

All seized alcoholic beverages fall under the EU’s luxury goods category, with each bottle valued above €300. Under current sanctions, exporting such items to Russia is prohibited.

The individuals initially declared Russia as their destination but later claimed they were transporting the goods to Belarus after learning of the restrictions. Administrative proceedings have been launched against all passengers under Article 515(1) of Lithuania’s Code of Administrative Offences.