A recent customs seizure in China involved a smuggler attempting to move a substantial batch of computer components by hiding them on his body. The bribe of attention-grabbing scale came from 160 Intel processors that were attached directly to the traveler and concealed under clothing. In addition, the individual carried 16 smartphones as part of the diversion. These actions drew immediate scrutiny from officials who noted the unusual concealment method and the potential value of the goods involved.
The incident unfolded as officers uncovered the processors stuck to the smuggler with adhesive tape, a tactic that prompted lighthearted remarks among the border staff about the person being a walking processor. The total value of the processors and related items was estimated at about fifty thousand dollars, underscoring the risk and potential profit involved in such attempts. The discovery highlighted how smugglers sometimes rely on bizarre disguises and improvised techniques to bypass security checks while moving high-demand electronics across borders.
The report also mentions that the seized list included a large number of graphics processing units, with many of the cards identified as Radeon RX models manufactured by XFX. The contraband was reportedly marketed as less powerful components to avoid taxes, and authorities seized as many as 5840 video cards with an estimated value of three million dollars. The broader context of these seizures includes enforcement actions related to online gaming communities and regional restrictions, with Blizzard previously announcing a ban affecting players in the DPR and LPR jurisdictions. These cases collectively illustrate the ongoing challenges border agencies face in detecting and intercepting illicit electronics shipments while navigating evolving market demands and geopolitical considerations. Citation: Chinese customs authorities report on the incident and related seizures.”