Hong Kong authorities puzzled by discovery of $10 million in gold hidden as air compressor components

Hong Kong customs officers made a shocking discovery at the international airport when they found more than $10 million worth of gold hidden inside two air compressors. The gold was cleverly disguised as parts for the machines in an attempt to smuggle it out of the country.

The officers became suspicious when the air compressors appeared unusual during an X-ray scan. Upon further inspection, they found that the machines were actually filled with valuable gold pieces that had been spray painted to look like machine parts.

Assistant Superintendent Ho Tin-hong described the discovery as nonsensical, with the rotor of the machines tied in place with tape and traces of glue found on both ends. As they dismantled the machines, they uncovered over 321 pounds of gold hidden inside various components.

The smuggling attempt was believed to be a ploy to avoid a 10% import tariff in Japan, which would have cost the suspect over $1 million. Following the seizure, a 31-year-old man was arrested in connection to the case. He was identified as the director of a suspicious company that was likely a shell corporation.

Anyone found guilty of attempting to export manifested cargo in Hong Kong faces severe penalties, including up to seven years in jail and a hefty fine. The customs agency commended the officers for their diligence in uncovering the elaborate smuggling scheme.