October 2025 – Page 2 – European Sanctions Enforcement

October 20, 2025October 20, 2025 by Mark Handley

Germany – hearing begins for confiscation of €720m from sanctioned Russian bank

Further to our earlier post, it is being reported that the confiscation proceedings are now ongoing in the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court seeking to confiscate €720 million as the proceeds of crime from a sanctioned Russian bank.

According to reports the Russian bank sought to transfer these funds out of Germany in the immediate wake of being designated by the EU in June 2022, but the banks asked to process the payments refused to proceed.

As funds transferred in breach of the asset freeze imposed on the bank, these funds have been characterized by the prosecution as the proceeds of crime and so subject to confiscation under applicable anti-money laundering laws.

The case is being heard before a five judge bench.

October 10, 2025October 10, 2025 by Mark Handley

Estonia – individual sentenced to 4 years and 11 months jail for sanctions and espionage offences

It has been reported (and here) that Ivan Dmitriev, an Estonian national has been convicted of a range of offences including breaches of sanctions and espionage on behalf of Russia’s FSB.

He was sentenced to four years and 11 months in jail.

The reports do not provide detail on the conduct constituting breaches of the EU’s Russian sanctions.

October 9, 2025 by Mark Handley

Portugal – investigation into possible sanctions breaches by professional football team

It is being reported that the Portuguese authorities have commenced an investigation into possible sanctions breaches by the football team Benfica.

The allegations relate to player transfers and payments between Benfica and the Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow, which is owned by the sanctioned Russian state-owned railway company RDZ.

The manager of Benfica, Rui Costa, is due to be questioned as part of the investigation.

October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 by Mark Handley

Germany – sentencing of five individuals convicted of Russian sanctions offences

Last month we posted regarding the conviction of five individuals for Russian trade sanctions offences by the Hamburg Regional Court.

It is being reported that the sentences have now been handed down.

Of the five individuals, one was given a custodial sentence of four and a half years, and two others were given custodial sentences of three years.

The final two defendants were given suspended sentences.

The offending concerned the shipment of electronic components valued at over EUR850,000 to Russia via third countries such as Hong Kong, China, Armenia and the UAE.

October 6, 2025October 6, 2025 by Mark Handley

France – seizure of Russian shadow fleet vessel and arrest of captain

It has been widely reported (e.g. here and here) that the French military boarded and seized control of an oil tanker reputed to to be part of the “shadow fleet”.

The vessel, the “Boracay” has been sanctioned by the EU and the UK. It is alleged that the crew failed to provide information to authorities on the nationality of the vessel or otherwise comply with orders.

It has now also been reported that the vessel has now continued on its voyage and the captain has been released.

October 6, 2025 by Mark Handley

Latvia – State Security Service seeks prosecution for providing project management services

Latvia’s State Security Service (the VDD) is seeking the prosecution of two Latvian nationals accused of providing project management services to Russian companies.

This is one of few known prosecutions for breaching the EU’s professional services prohibitions. It is alleged that the individuals were co-owners of a company through which the services were provided.

The investigation started in January of this year.

October 6, 2025October 6, 2025 by Mark Handley

Netherlands – arrest on suspicion of terrorist financing

In an investigation led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Dutch FIOD last week conducted raids on two homes and arrested one individual suspected of transferring bitcoins valued at €5,000 to individuals who had joined terrorist organizations in breach of the Dutch Sanctiewet.

The transfers are said to have taken place between 2019 and 2020.

The FIOD Press release acknowledges the support of Europol in providing technical assistance and facilitating cooperation from other (unnamed) countries.