The police seized diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and other precious stones worth about $82.3 million (2.5 million rubles).
Police
acted on a tip-off regarding illegal distribution channels for the
black market gems through pawnbrokers and jewelry stores.
"It
has been established that they [the suspects] were engaged in the
manufacturing of jewelry involving precious stones in low grade gold and
silver," a police statement says cited by the RIA Novosti news organization.
"Fake
stamps were applied to the jewelry from brands and factories that make
products from precious metals. These products were then sold to
consumers," the statement adds.
Two
local men, aged 27 and 37, were arrested on suspicion of trafficking in
gemstones and precious metals, and could be jailed for up to 12 years
in prison if convicted.
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