It has been reported today that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is investigating potential breaches of sanctions, after a “Made in Ireland” tag was found on components within drones used by Russia in Ukraine.
Netherlands – man arrested on suspicion of breaching Russian trade sanctions
The Dutch authorities have announced the arrest of a 41-year old man on suspicion of exporting microchips indirectly to Russia through third countries in circumvention of the EU’s sanctions.
The products are computer parts and were exported through third countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Turkey and the UAE.
Residential and business premises were searched in Moerdijk as part of the investigation.
Estonia – arrest and extradition to the US for Russian sanction offences
The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has issued a press release relating to charges against Vadim Konoshchenok, who was arrested in Estonia and extradited to the US.
Konoshchenok is charged with exporting US-made goods to Russia.
According to the release, Konoshchenok was arrested in Estonia in December 2022 attempting to smuggle into Russia 35 different electronic components including US-made controlled products.
Earlier efforts to export ammunition to Russia had resulted in the seizure of half a ton of material.
Czechia – investigation into Czech company suspected of illegal Russian exports
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.