Eastline, Russia's third largest cargo airline, has been "temporarily" closed down following a raid on the company's offices by the FSB, the state security service that succeeded the KGB.
Such raids are common, and it is relatively unusual for raided companies to re-open for business - at least in the short to medium term.
Eastline, which is Russia's third biggest cargo carrier in terms of tonnage carried and revenue tonne-kilometres, operates over 30 aircraft, including 25 Ilyushin Il-76 freighters.
The FSB alleges that the airline carried contraband, and that it regularly flew substantially over the permitted maximum weight. It claims one aircraft was carrying 62t instead of the permitted 40t.
Observers suggest that Eastline may have powerful enemies who convinced the FSB to ground it. Since it began operations in 1993, using mostly wet-leased freighters, it has spent over $300 million rebuilding Moscow Domodedovo Airport.
In the process, it ousted the local mafia, and developed the airport into the most modern in Russia.
Throughout this summer, it averaged ten daily round trips to China, collecting consumer goods for sale in Moscow.
High taxes and stringent customs rules in Russia have made it "normal" for any carrier to reach agreements with local customs. A standard "duty" for uninspected imports is about $20 per kilo, with the state receiving just $6.
Source: Flight International
