Recently, at Yunakivka BCP border guards of Sumy Detachment in cooperation with customs officers have prevented an illegal transportation of an ancient icon from Ukraine.

Recently, at Yunakivka BCP border guards of Sumy Detachment in cooperation with customs officers have prevented an illegal transportation of an ancient icon from Ukraine.

Border guards received information about possible illegal movement across the border of objects of historical or cultural value from the officers of DSSU in Sumy region. The icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, made on a wooden base approximately in the XIX century, was found in a tourist suitcase with a double bottom. It was taken to Russia by a Ukrainian citizen who was traveling as a passenger in a truck.

Currently, the icon and the man who carried it have been handed over to SSU officers for legal proceedings.

It should be added that in Sumy region border guards, according to the SSU, have prevented smuggling of ancient icons for the second time this month. In early May, a Ukrainian citizen was detained near Velyka Pysarivka while trying to enter Russia illegally. The man was transporting a package with an ancient icon of the XIX century, made on a wooden base. His actions are qualified under Part 2 of Art. 15 and part 1Art. 201 “Smuggling” of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.