A Russian national, identified as N.I., has been charged with customs violations after allegedly attempting to export a mammoth tusk disguised as 'fossilized wood' to Switzerland from Lithuania. The incident occurred on April 10, 2025, when N.I. used a parcel service to send the package. He submitted fraudulent documentation stating that the item was worth €3,250, which does not match the reality of the shipment.

The customs investigation revealed that the item incorrectly declared as fossilized wood was actually a mammoth tusk, leading to serious implications for international wildlife trade laws. N.I. is charged with providing false information on the export declaration, which constituted a serious breach of customs regulations and suggested an attempt to evade customs controls designed to protect endangered species and their artifacts.

The case illuminates broader concerns regarding illegal wildlife trade and the importance of robust monitoring systems in customs operations. With increasing global attention on conservation, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to combat illegal trade and the significance of prosecuting such violations.