Ukrainian customs foil attempt to smuggle over 200 16th-18th century coins to Poland

Customs officers in the Volyn region have prevented the illegal export of 223 coins minted in the 16th-18th centuries to Poland.

According to Ukrinform, the Volyn Customs Service reported this on Facebook.

"Volyn customs officers at the Yahodyn checkpoint, in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine office in the Volyn region, exposed a Kyiv resident who attempted to smuggle antique coins to Poland," the statement said.

"In total, the woman concealed 223 metal coins dating back to the 16th-18th centuries in various parts of her personal belongings packed in a travel suitcase. She was leaving Ukraine as a passenger on the Kyiv-Chelm train," customs officials said.

The collection has been temporarily seized. Experts will assess its cultural and historical value, after which its monetary worth will be determined.

Law enforcement authorities have been notified of the offense, which shows signs of a crime under Article 201 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. If confirmed during the pre-trial investigation, the smuggling of cultural valuables is punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to seven years, customs officials added.