Chinese Embassy Warns Citizens in Russia Against Illegal Gold Mining After Deportations, Fines and Jail Terms
The Chinese Embassy in Russia said on November 1 that Russia enforces strict state control over the mining of gold and other minerals, and that illegal gold mining by foreign nationals in Russia is a serious offense. Chinese residents in Russia have already been punished for it, facing deportation, heavy fines or even imprisonment.
According to the embassy, several Russian regions have introduced, or are moving to introduce, policies banning foreign nationals from gold mining, and authorities are stepping up enforcement against illegal employment and illegal gold mining.
The embassy urged Chinese citizens, businesses and institutions in Russia to strictly observe local laws and regulations, to beware of "high-paying gold rush" scams, and not to engage in or take part in illegal gold mining. Anyone doing business in Russia should enter through regular channels and obtain the required permits through legal means, the embassy said, adding that unlicensed operations, environmental damage, illegal entry, or misuse of the visa-free policy to work in Russia can bring personal safety risks and financial losses.
The embassy also noted that under China's Criminal Law, Chinese citizens who commit illegal mining abroad may still face criminal prosecution after returning to China if the circumstances are serious. It said Chinese embassies and consulates protect the lawful rights of overseas Chinese citizens, businesses and institutions, but consular protection and assistance do not apply to illegal activities, and those involved must bear the legal consequences themselves.
(Source: Chinese Embassy in Russia)
Source: Chinese Embassy in Russia
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：俄罗斯莫斯科克里姆林宫特罗伊茨卡娅塔（资料图）。摄影：Andrew Shiva，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: The Troitskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin in Moscow, Russia (file photo). Photo by Andrew Shiva, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
