Russia Caught North Koreans Trying to Smuggle Bear's Foot

A North Korean man who tried to smuggle 12 bear feet into North Korea has been caught in Vladivostok, Russia's Far East, the Federal Customs Service says.

"We found a North Korean man heading to Pyongyang carrying 12 Himalayan bear feet," Russia's Federal Customs Service said on Telegram.

While inspecting the North Korean man's luggage, customs officials found several thermal bags containing frozen skin, fur and claws.

The North Korean reportedly explained that he failed to report the bear's feet because he had passed through a "green passage" that did not file customs declarations.

"The species is allowed to export only after completing customs declarations and obtaining approval from the Russian government under the 'Convention on International Trade in Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora'," the Russian Customs Service said.

The North Korean can forfeit the goods and pay a fine, the customs added.