Russia arrests US‑Russian woman smuggling gun
Dual‑Citizen Arrested by Moscow Customs for Hidden Firearm
Russian Federal Customs Service reported that a woman holding both American and Russian passports was detained at Vnukovo airport after she attempted to transport a handgun in her checked luggage.
Incident Details
- The woman was traveling from the United States via Turkey.
- Customs officers intercepted her during a routine “green lane” control check—used by passengers with no declared goods.
- Inside the suitcase was an American Colt Commander pistol, .45‑calibre, accompanied by three empty magazines.
- She claimed she was “unaware of the need to declare the goods.”
Russian authorities opened a criminal investigation for firearms smuggling.
Russia’s Gun Enforcement
Russia maintains strict gun regulations and follows the same policy across all airports. Dual citizens who travel with concealed weapons face the same legal consequences as Russian nationals.
Moscow’s Recent Apprehensions
Since Russia launched its Ukraine offensive in 2022, Moscow has arrested several United States citizens. The trend slowed in 2024 as the United States returned to a stable political leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Customs officers actively enforce firearms smuggling rules at all Russian airports.
- Dual citizens must declare all weapons to avoid criminal charges.
- Recent U.S. citizen arrests have slowed but remain active as Moscow continues its crackdown on critics.
