Anyone had medals confiscated by airport security?

[Henry Sakaida]

I have a friend going to Russia. He wants to bring some medals from a different part of Russia, to Moscow. Before the flight back to Moscow, they have a security screening for weapons, etc. What would happen if security people found some Soviet medals in his luggage? He isn't taking them out of the country yet...he is just taking them from one city to Moscow. Has anyone had their medals confiscated by airport security people?

[yolkin]

Henry,

I believe that if one is traveling within the country, the awards do not get confiscated. I think the problem is only when the awards are attempted to be taken out of Russia.

- Eric

[Tretov]

From own experience, I'd say that the Finnish-Russo border is a quite safe place to export such things... I had a large box of medals taken out that way - a friend living up north loaded the box on his truck (this was last year) and simply drove over the border on one of the northern border stations. Then he just sent them by mail from a town in northern Finlandia. As a security measure, he had loaded up with some chocolate bars - just in case there would be a control.




/Patrik

[DougD]

...about inter air travel and metal items. In each airport I have been to in Russia and Ukraine they have sent the stuff through the medal det. I would bet that you won't have trouble, but then again if they show up on radar they WILL open your suitcase and might just make the connection that you should not have these. Maybe you can say you are bringing them to Moscow and it will be ok, difficult to say. When we flew from Volgograd to Moscow with medals etc. in the bags they were opened. No major problems, but had to explain what was what.

DougD

[Henry Sakaida]

Thank you all for your response! I feel comfortable now. That "friend" mentioned is me. And I'm not taking anything out, I'm taking something back.

[Lapa]

I tend to agree with Doug.

When in St P last month, every single dealer I spoke to clearly indicated that the government had outlawed all kind of trade in medals and orders and was enforcing its position through its all mighty arm, the MVD. The only medals and orders I was offered were always offered "under the table", and we are not talking about anything rare here either.

I personally would be extra careful.

Marc

[Bone Collector]

What happens if an old russian veteran (who actually earned his medals) would like to move to another country? Would the cops confiscate his belongings?

[ericlida]

According to the information I have, the veteran must get a permission from the Government to take his awards out of the country.

Eric

[Henry Sakaida]

I'm taking back a Hero Star. I made it "talk," now it's going home where it was stolen 4 years ago. But before it goes back, I plan to get a FAX letter from the military commisar there, confirming that I will be bringing it back to the next-of-kin, giving the serial number of the medal, as well as the booklet. It is no longer state property...it is private property. And I am not taking it out of the country, I am returing it. I've also notified the US Embassy in Moscow just in case I need a "get out of jail card." if I don't get the FAX, I will have to think of a way to get it home. Should make a nice article for this website!!
Thank you all for your feedback!

[yolkin]

Good Luck Henry!

We are all behind you!

Eric (yolkin)