“A collaborative effort between border guards and customs officials thwarted the illicit export of an Anton Stradivari violin, crafted in 1713,” stated a message on Telegram.

The instrument was discovered concealed in the trunk of a car destined for Poland. Subsequently, the violin was confiscated and dispatched for expert examination, according to the State Border Service of Ukraine.

Скрипку Страдіварі виявили на українсько-польському кордоні 🎻#Прикордонники спільно з митниками запобігли вивезенню за кордон скрипки «Antonius Stradivarius» 1713 року. Музичний інструмент знайшли в багажнику авто, яке прямувало до Польщі.

➡️https://t.co/eFfQdbX28f pic.twitter.com/EusZKPAvZx

— Державна прикордонна служба України (@DPSU_ua) May 3, 2024

A similar incident was reported in July 2023, when Ukrainian border guard agents stopped a 1730 Stradivarius violin from being smuggled out of the country.

Renowned Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari’s workshop produced over 1,000 violins, violas, and cellos, with approximately 650 instruments believed to have survived. Experts highlight that the finest pieces were crafted between 1700 and 1725.