FSB detected a clandestine precious metals processing laboratory in Moscow Region

The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has discovered an illegal laboratory engaged in processing of precious metals in Moscow Region. This was reported by the Public Relations Center (PRC) of the agency on January 29.

"In September 2024 in the Moscow region was found an underground laboratory that produced illegal refining (purification from impurities) by chemical means of precious metals obtained from secondary raw materials containing precious metals (radio-electronic scrap, spent catalysts)," - stated in the message.

According to the agency, precious metals were transferred for money to persons engaged in the supply of precious materials, after which they fell into the shadow market or smuggled out of Russia.

As a result of operational measures, law enforcement agencies seized metals worth at least 11.8 million rubles, as well as equipment and chemicals. Criminal proceedings have been initiated under Article 192 of the Criminal Code of Russia ("Evasion from the submission of precious metals for refining"). Investigative actions are currently underway.

Earlier, on November 1, 2024, Rosfinmonitoring reported that the list of signs of suspicious transactions with precious metals will be updated. This is a guide that presents 18 signs of unusual transactions with precious metals and stones. Among them are systematic purchase of jewelry, deviation in the value of a product by more than 20%, sale of 10 or more ornaments by a person.