It has been reported today in the German press that the Danish authorities are investigating allegations that the Danish company Grundfos may have exported pump equipment and machinery for use in the Crimea in breach of the EU’s sanctions.
Germany – arrests for dual-use exports to Russia
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has issued a press release announcing the arrest of an individual Alexander S on charges of exporting dual-use goods to military recipients in Russian in breach of EU sanctions.
Although the press release does not state as much, it is likely that this individual is the same as is already facing charges relating to earlier exports.
The arrest warrant alleges the export of dual-use high-quality machine tools to an end customer in the Russian defence sector.
Germany – convictions and fines for Russian exports
Further to our earlier post, it has been reported today that the Higher Regional Court in Hamburg has sentenced two men to prison for supplying machine tools to a Russian arms company.
The first defendant received a sentence of three years and nine months. In addition, almost €8 million in profits from the sale of the machinery will be confiscated
The second defendant was sentenced to two years’ probation for aiding and abetting with a payment of €150,000 to secure that probation. A further €184,000 are to be confiscated.
Denmark – charges for breach of Syrian sanctions
Denmark’s financial crimes unit on Wednesday announced charges against a Danish company suspected of violating EU sanctions on Syria by delivering large quantities of fuel to Russian warplanes there.
The 33 transactions, involving 172,000 tonnes of kerosene, carried out between 2015 and 2017, amounted to 647 million kroner (87 million euros, $102 million), according to the Danish State Prosecutor.
Danish media has reported the company as Dan-Bunkering. A holding company and the director of one of the companies involved are also being prosecuted.
Germany – charges for dual-use exports to Russia
Further to our earlier post, the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office has issued a press release confirming that charges have now been laid against two individuals – Alexander S. and Alexander O.
The allegations relate to the export of machine tool to a Russian state-owned arms company valued at €8 million between January 2016 and January 2018.
The customer is also said to be a designated person under EU regulation 269/2014.
Malta – five charged with breaching Libyan sanctions
It has been reported today that the Maltese authorities have charged five individuals with breaching the EU sanctions against Libya.
Only one individual was named – James Fenech.
The case relates to the use of military-grade inflatable vessels allegedly used to move military personnel into, and out of, Libya.
The court has also ordered that the accounts of the companies involved be frozen.
Dutch seizure of goods destined for North Korea
It was reported today that the Dutch port authorities in Rotterdam have seized 90,000 bottles of vodka allegedly destined for North Korea. The vessel was first to sail to China.
Such an export would be a breach of the EU’s sanctions against North Korea. The Dutch authorities have not commented on the source of the intelligence used to identify the alleged destination of the goods.
Germany arrests man for Russian sanctions violation
It has been reported today that customs officials in the Bavarian city of Augsburg have today arrested Alexander S. on suspicion of exporting machinery to Russia in breach of the EU’s trade sanctions.
Premises have been raided in Bavaria, Saxony and Berlin.
The exports are alleged to have valued over €8m and to have taken place between 2016 and 2018 to military end users.
The allegations include the provision of false information to try and optain export permits.
Netherlands – €4.6m in gross profits confiscated from Iran exports
Further to our earlier post, following the successful prosecution of two companies for exports to Iran in breach of sanctions, the Dutch authorities have secured confiscation orders against the two companies for the gross profits obtained from the unlawful exports.
The confiscations were of €600,000 and €4 million respectively.
Germany – seven year sentence for Russian exports
The Higher Regional Court of Hamburg has today sentenced a man to seven years in jail for exports to Russian in breach of EU sanctions.
Our earlier post had outlined that the man was charged with exports of chemicals and machinery to Russia which could be used in the manufacture of military rockets. False documentation had been created in an attempt to mask the exports.