It has been reported that the Czech authorities are investigating the activities of Kovosvit MAS, which is suspected of shipping machinery to Russia via Turkey potentially in breach of EU sanctions.
Switzerland – investigation into oil trading company
It has been reported that the Swiss authorities are currently investigating allegations that Paramount Energy & Commodities SA has been unlawfully trading oil of Russian origin through a Dubai-incorporated subsidiary in breach of the Swiss adoption of sanctions against Russia.
Norway issues first fine for breaching Russian sanctions
It was reported today that the Norwegian authorities have imposed their first fine for breaches of sanctions against Russia.
The fine was NOK 50,000 being the profit from the unlawful sale of a car to a Russian customer in breach of Norway’s sanctions against the export of luxury goods.
Netherlands – two arrested on suspicion of transferring funds to Hamas
The Dutch authorities have arrested two people on suspicion of transferring funds for the benefit of Hamas – an organisation designated under EU sanctions.
The transfers are alleged to have amounted to €5.5 million.
Searches were conducted in Leischendam and Rotterdam including the seizure of cash.
France – some charges against Lafarge-Holcim dropped
Further to our earlier posts (here, here, and here) regarding an investigation into whether cement company Lafarge-Holcim breached EU sanctions by making payments to designated persons, it has been announced that the charges relating to financing of terrorism breaches are being discontinued.
The charges relating to crimes against humanity continue.
In October 2022 Lafarge-Holcim had plead guilty to related charges before the US Department of Justice and agreed to pay $778 million.
Czechia – 40 ongoing investigations
Czechia – investigation into machinery exports
It has been reported today that the Czech authorities are currently investigating the activities of the Czech company Labara. It is suspected that the company has been exporting machinery which can be used for the manufacture of weaponry to Russia via Turkey.
Netherlands – arrest on suspicion of breach of Sanctions Act
The Dutch authorities have conducted searches at residential and business premises in Oegstgeest, The Hague and Haarlemmermeer and arrested a 73-year old on suspicion of breaching the EU’s sanctions against Russia.
The man is alleged to have transferred shares in return for payment and paid €19 million in dividends to a Russian company owned or controlled by a designated person under the EU’s sanctions.
Lithuanian authorities commence criminal investigations into 9 companies and 95 investigations
It was reported today, that the Lithuanian State Consumer Rights Protection Authority has undertaken investigations into 95 Lithuanian companies on suspicion of importing Russian timber products in breach of current Russian and Belarusian sanctions.
The allegation is that the goods were being mislabelled as being of Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan origin.
Of those companies investigated nine have now been reported to prosecutors.
UK – company pleads guilty to unlawful export of chemicals
It has been announced today that a British company has pleaded guilty to one count of the attempted export of a controlled chemical which is classified as a dual use good.
The company was fined just £600 plus £2,659.5 in costs.
While HMRC did not name the company, it is being reported that the company was VWR International Limited, and that the export was bound for Pakistan.
For an earlier fine imposed on VWR see our previous post.