In the Lviv region, customs officers prevented an attempt to import an ancient icon without declaring it. The seized icon was sent for examination, which confirmed its museum and historical and cultural value. It is a "Gospel Scene" by Andreas Asper, a famous Swiss artist of the early 17th century.
According to the State Customs Service, the incident occurred on October 6 at the Shehyny-Medica checkpoint. During an inspection of a Volkswagen Crafter minibus, customs officers discovered an ancient icon among the personal belongings of the driver, who was returning from Poland. The icon was transported without proper declaration.
Experts from the Andrey Sheptytsky National Museum in Lviv confirmed the authenticity of the work. The author's signature is preserved on the back of the painting and in the lower right corner, indicating that the icon belongs to Andreas Asper. Experts estimated its approximate value at $25,000, which exceeds a million hryvnias.
Customs officers drew up a report under Part 3 of Article 471 of the Customs Code of Ukraine, which provides for a fine of UAH 5,100 for failure to declare goods moving across the border. In addition, the icon may be confiscated.
This case highlights the importance of strict control over the movement of cultural property across the border and the protection of Ukraine's cultural heritage. Law enforcement agencies emphasize that attempts to illegally import or export ancient objects are strictly punishable by law.
