Border guards detained a man in Odesa region with an ancient icon.

An ancient icon of Jesus Christ from the 19th century was being attempted to be smuggled from Odesa to Romania. However, border guards discovered the relic during a vehicle inspection, and the driver faces a hefty fine.

This was reported by the Southern Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

Attempt to smuggle

At the 'Orlivka' checkpoint, border guards discovered an icon of Jesus Christ from the 19th century, which likely has cultural or historical value. The relic was found during a joint inspection with customs officers of a Kia vehicle, driven by a 40-year-old citizen of Ukraine. The man had no permits for exporting the antique item abroad.

Currently, the icon has been confiscated until a court decision. An examination will determine its cultural and historical value.

What punishment is looming

A protocol was drawn up against the driver under article 483 of the Customs Code of Ukraine (Movement or actions aimed at moving goods across the customs border of Ukraine while hiding them from customs control). He faces a fine of 50 to 100 percent of the value of the relic he attempted to transport.

We remind you that recently we reported on attempts to smuggle a unique necklace from the I-XII centuries from Odesa. There was also a case of illegal transport of medical drugs to Moldova.

Ukrainian border guards uncovered an ancient icon of Jesus Christ from the 19th century that was being attempted to be smuggled to Romania without the necessary documentation. The driver of the vehicle faces a serious fine for attempting to illegally export a valuable item. The icon has now been sent for examination to establish its true value.