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Frankfurt Customs Seize Over 11,000 Undeclared Rough Diamonds, Detain Angolan Traveler

Authorities will assess the haul’s value under EU rules that require a Kimberley certificate for raw diamonds.

Overview

  • The 53-year-old passenger was stopped during a security check at Frankfurt Airport, where officers found the stones hidden in a double-bottomed carry-on.
  • Customs investigators manually counted the seizure, reporting 11,276 rough diamonds, while earlier official statements cited a figure slightly above 11,270.
  • The traveler had not declared the stones and could not present the mandatory Kimberley certificate for raw diamond imports.
  • An investigating judge ordered the man into pre-trial detention as customs and federal police pursue criminal and customs inquiries.
  • An expert appraisal will determine the monetary value, which will inform potential charges including alleged evasion of import duties.