$29 million precious metals seizure at Hong Kong airport marks record bust
Customs officials at Hong Kong airport intercepted two attempts to smuggle precious metals. Authorities seized approximately 168 kg of gold and 285 kg of silver fragments, valued at about HK$230 million (around $29 million). This is the largest such seizure in the agency’s history.
Source Caixinglobal
The cargo, destined for Japan, was declared as household cleaning appliances. However, x-ray scans revealed abnormally high density, and upon dismantling the items, customs officers found metal plates embedded with gold and silver fragments. Both shipments were sent by the same unregistered company in Hong Kong. The recipient is a prominent Asian firm engaged in sporting goods and e-commerce logistics.
This seizure underscores increased efforts to combat precious metals smuggling in the region. Ongoing investigations may uncover additional illicit channels and influence stricter customs controls in the future.
