Interfax, citing the FSB, reports that border guards intercepted multiple individuals from Russia and a foreign national who attempted to smuggle gyrfalcons, a bird species listed on the Red Book of the Russian Federation, out of the country. The operation involved several residents from the Kamchatka Territory, the Altai Territory, and Moscow, along with a foreign citizen, all suspected of trying to move the birds across the border. The birds were confirmed to be gyrfalcons, a species protected due to its conservation status, and reports indicate the group aimed to enter a Middle Eastern country with the birds in tow.
Criminal proceedings were initiated under Article 226.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which covers the smuggling of especially valuable wild animals and aquatic biological resources. One foreign national involved in the case has been detained as part of the investigation. The FSB noted that the gyrfalcons have already been released back into their natural habitats after the operational actions were completed.
In a related development, earlier at Sheremetyevo International Airport, law enforcement detained a young man carrying a substantial quantity of crab meat and caviar, with the total container count reaching 24 suitcases. The incident underscores ongoing measures to curb the illicit movement of valuable wildlife products and restricted foodstuffs across Russia’s borders, as authorities continue to monitor routes commonly used for trafficking and to enforce corresponding laws.