Icon smuggler caught at Sheremetyevo Airport

MOSCOW. Dec 21 (Interfax) - Customs officers have found four icons in the luggage of an Italian citizen at Sheremetyevo Airport, the press service of the Federal Customs Service said.

The man told customs officers that he had nothing to declare, though customs officers believe the man planned to take the icons from the country without permission.

The icons, which date back to the late 19th and early 20th century, are protected by the law on the import and export of cultural valuables and cannot be taken out of the country without permission.

"An examination is in progress that will help make a decision on whether to initiate a criminal case on smuggling charges - Part 2, Article 188 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation," the press service said.