German prosecutors arrested five suspects Monday in a case involving illegal shipments of goods to 24 sanctioned Russian defense firms.
Illegal Shipments to Defense Firms
Germany’s Federal Prosecutor in Karlsruhe reported Monday that goods illegally exported to Russia went to defense companies. Five suspects were arrested in Schleswig-Holstein, with searches conducted across other German states.
Goods for Russian Industry
The investigation centers on a Lübeck-based firm. Its owner and CEO, since at least February 2022, allegedly used the company with other accused parties to “conspire” to procure goods for Russian industry. To conceal transactions, several fictitious companies within and outside the EU were used. Russian state entities likely formed the supply chain, reaching at least 24 sanctioned defense firms.
Organized Crime Group
The criminal group allegedly executed around 16,000 deliveries to Russia, totaling at least 30 million euros. Nikita S., a German-Russian citizen and the firm’s owner, was arrested by Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office. Also arrested were German citizens Boris M. and Eugen R., and German national of Ukrainian origin Artem I. A second German-Russian citizen, Daniel A., was also temporarily detained.
Searches and Charges
Searches occurred Monday in Frankfurt am Main (Hesse), Nordwestmecklenburg district (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), Nuremberg (Bavaria), and Ostholstein district (Schleswig-Holstein), targeting five other suspects at large. The suspects face charges of organized crime and violating foreign trade laws.
EU Export Embargo
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU imposed economic sanctions. Export restrictions are a key component, banning sales of specific goods including dual-use items like drone engines/software, electronics, and optical components. Embargoes also cover energy, maritime, aerospace technology, luxury goods (expensive cars, watches, jewelry), and other sectors targeting wealthy Russians.