February 2025 – Page 2 – European Sanctions Enforcement

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 by Mark Handley

Spain – five arrested for suspected chemical exports to Russia

The Spanish authorities have issued a press release confirming a series of raids in the provinces of Barcelona and Valencia and the arrest of five people.

The raids and arrests are said to be the second phase of Operation Probirka, the first phase of which was conducted in October 2024 (see our previous post).

The bodies involved were the National Police and the Tax Agency.

The allegations include the use of front companies and dummy intermediaries in Kyrgyzstan and Armenia, and the export of chemicals which can be used in the manufacture of explosives and chemical weapons.

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 by Mark Handley

United Kingdom – designated person charged with failing to disclose their assets

Further to our earlier post regarding the UK’s Charity Commission investigating Aozma Sultana in relation to possible sanctions breaches, it has now been reported (first by GIR – behind a paywall), that Aozma Sultana has been charged with sanctions offences in the UK and that she appeared in court last week.

Ms Sultana is a designated person under the UK’s anti-terrorism sanctions.

The alleged offence is one of refusing or failing to comply with a request from HM Treasury for information as to her assets and finances.

Trial is currently set for June 2025.

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 by Mark Handley

Germany – investigation into alleged sanctions breaches by Roman Abramovich

It is being reported that investigations have been commenced in Germany in relation to suspected sanctions breaches by Roman Abramovich.

Actions by the Federal Criminal Police Office and the Central Sanctions Enforcement Office have included raids on properties and the confiscation of luxury cars and artwork.

The suspected breaches of Regulation 269/2014 are the failure to properly or adequately disclose his frozen assets, including a 19th-century villa in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

It is also being reported that Mr Abramovich’s lawyer has said that he is not the ultimate owner of the villa or the confiscated luxury cars.

February 6, 2025February 6, 2025 by Mark Handley

Lithuania – sanctions raids, arrests and seizures related to trucking companies

It is being reported that the Lithuanian Customs Criminal Service has conducted raids at multiple addresses in Vilnius and Rudamina, has arrested four individuals (2 Belarus nationals and 2 Lithuanian nationals), and seized 33 vehicles valued at €1.5 million.

The vehicles are 17 trucks, 15 semi-trailers and a mini-bus, which are said to have been involved in alleged trade with Russia and Belarus in breach of the EU’s sanctions.

The first round of raids were conducted on 29 January with further raids since then.