The French authorities have charged former Lafarge-Holcim CEOs, Eric Olsen and Bruno Lafont as well former deputy managing director Christian Herrault, along with 5 other individuals on suspicion of making payments in breach of EU sanctions to terrorist groups in Syria, and crimes against humanity.
Netherlands – criminal fine imposed for breach of Russian sanctions
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has obtained a criminal fine of €50,000 against an unnamed Dutch freight solutions company.
The company had sought to ship radar equipment for Sukhoi jet fighters from Malaysia to Russia. The consignment was intercepted at Schiphol Airport. The sale was in breach of both European export controls, as the products were included on the EU’s Military List, and in breach of Russian sanctions which would have prohibited the granting of an export licence.
No licence had been applied for.
An individual was acquitted of a related offence.
France – investigators raid Lafarge-Holcim
The French authorities have conducted raids on the Paris offices of Lafarge-Holcim as part of the ongoing investigation into payments alleged to have been made in breach of the EU’s terrorist sanctions.
Lafarge-Holcim has confirmed it is cooperating with the investigation.
Belgium – raids on premises of holding company of Lafarge-Holcim
Germany – Iran sanctions prosecution case sent to Federal Court
A prosecution in relation to the export of valves for use in the Iranian nuclear sector which has been ongoing since 2014 has now been referred to the German Federal Court.
The prosecution of three individuals, named only as Bernd Gehrad L., René L. and Ralf C, relates to the export of 51 specialized valves to Iran between 2010 and 2011. The value of the valves was approximately €1 million.
The case has been sent to the Federal Court after a court in Berlin had ruled that the penalties being sought were unconstitutional.
Netherlands – investigation into alleged breach of Crimean sanctions
It has been reported that the Dutch International Development minister has ordered an investigation into the alleged involvement of two Dutch companies, Dematec Equipment and Biljard Hydrauliek, in providing equipment for the building of the Kerch Strait Bridge designed to join Russia and Crimea.
The allegations, if proven, would be a breach of the EU’s Crimean sanctions.
France – investigation commenced into allegations of terrorist financing
It was reported today that the French authorities have commenced an investigation into the cement company Lafarge-Holcim with regards to payments made relating to its Syrian manufacturing operations that are alleged to be payments made to designated persons under the EU’s terrorist financing and ISIS sanctions.
Netherlands – airline fined €40,000 for export of military goods
The District Court of Noord-Holland has today fined a fine of €40,000 on the Dutch airline KLM for its role in the unlicensed export of goods on the EU’s military list from the South African to Ecuador via the Netherlands.
The judgment noted that subsequent investigation had revealed 74 shipments where the required reporting had not been complied with.
Netherlands – €50,000 fine for unlicensed exports to Saudi Arabia
A District Court in the Netherlands has imposed a €50,000 fine on logistics provider for its part in the unlicensed export of military goods to Saudi Arabia.
No export licence had been applied for. The value of the contracts is stated to have been US$14 million.