Hong Kong customs has seized gold worth HK$84 million ($10.7 million) disguised as machine parts in two air compressors from a Japan-bound consignment at the city’s airport, the biggest smuggling bust of the precious metal in terms of value in its 115-year history, Report informs referring to the South China Morning Post.
Acting Senior Superintendent Jason Lau Yuk-lung of customs’ syndicate crimes investigation bureau said on Monday that it was the first time officers had discovered gold was “moulded and camouflaged as machine components” in a smuggling case.
Lau said the director of a local company was arrested last week in connection with the gold-smuggling attempt that was uncovered on March 27.
A preliminary investigation suggested the smuggling operation was designed to evade import tariffs of about 10 percent in Japan, he added.
The consignment, bound for Tokyo and comprising two air compressors with a combined weight of 775kg (1,708lbs), was selected for inspection at the airport’s cargo terminal on March 27, according to the Customs and Excise Department.
Assistant Superintendent Ho Tin-hong of customs’ air cargo division said an X-ray examination revealed the two machines appeared suspicious.
The 31-year-old man was detained on suspicion of attempting to export unmanifested cargo – an offence punishable by up to seven years in jail and a HK$2 million fine.
The acting senior superintendent said it was possible the gold parts in the shape of rotors and other machinery components were made in the city and then assembled in the machines.