russia Is Facing Large-Scale Smuggling –  a Problem of the 1990s

In recent years, more and more russians have  been turning  to smuggling schemes for importing scarce goods using the so-called “shuttle” system. This refers to russian citizens’ trips  abroad to purchase goods that are then brought to the rf.

The main channels of the shadow trade are social networks and messengers. They offer services for sending documents, food, medicines, and premium goods. The greatest demand is for luxury goods, jewelry of international brands, and high-tech electronics. At the same time, the highest grade gold (999) is mainly exported from russia.

At this, since 2022, the annual rate of smuggling has been growing by an average of 25-30  %. As a result, in the first months of 2025, 121 criminal proceedings worth more than USD 18.5 million were opened. Last year, the russian customs authorities opened 419 criminal cases on smuggling, which is  by 60 % more than in 2022 (258 cases).