Russia – Page 48 – European Sanctions Enforcement

August 16, 2023December 9, 2024 by Mark Handley

Denmark – 45 sanctions investigations opened so far in 2023

It is being reported that so far during 2023 a total of 45 investigations have been opened by the Danish Business Authority in relation to alleged breaches of the EU’s sanctions against Russia.

Of these:

15 cases have been concluded with no further action taken;
2 cases have been referred to the Police;
23 investigations remain open; and
in 5 cases the Danish Business Authority determined that the case did not fall “within the authority’s competence”.

No further details on the cases have been published.

July 19, 2023February 26, 2024 by Mark Handley

Ireland – investigation into drone parts and possible trade sanctions breach

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.

July 18, 2023January 11, 2024 by Mark Handley

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.

July 14, 2023January 19, 2024 by Mark Handley

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.

July 13, 2023January 11, 2024 by Mark Handley

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.

July 4, 2023January 11, 2024 by Mark Handley

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.

June 26, 2023January 11, 2024 by Mark Handley

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.

June 11, 2023January 11, 2024 by Mark Handley

Czechia – 40 ongoing investigations

It has been reported that the Czech authorities currently have approximately 40 ongoing investigations into alleged breaches of the EU’s Russian sanctions.

No further details on the nature of the alleged breaches or the progress of the investigations was published.

June 11, 2023January 11, 2024 by Mark Handley

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.

June 1, 2023January 11, 2024 by Mark Handley

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.