Ex-customs officer on trial in Baku over attempt to smuggle

A criminal court in Baku has resumed hearings in the case of a former customs officer and a second defendant accused of attempting to smuggle 41 gold bars into Azerbaijan.

Prosecutors say Afshar Mirzaliyev, a former State Customs Committee employee, conspired with co-defendant Safar Safarov to smuggle 3,145 grams of gold worth 461,000 manats ($270,000) via a flight from Istanbul to Baku on December 22.

According to investigators, Safarov avoided customs inspection, entered an airport restroom, and hid a package in a trash bin. The gold was later discovered and documented by customs staff. Both defendants deny wrongdoing.

Several witnesses, including customs officers and civilians, were questioned. One said he received orders to inspect the bin, where the gold was found. Others denied knowing about the smuggling attempt or claimed conflicting accounts.

The trial will resume on June 3. Safarov is charged with conspiracy to commit smuggling, while Mirzaliyev faces additional charges related to abuse of official position. Both remain in custody.