Trade Sanctions – Page 23 – European Sanctions Enforcement

November 23, 2017January 10, 2024 by Mark Handley

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.

September 14, 2017January 10, 2024 by Mark Handley

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.

September 4, 2017January 10, 2024 by Mark Handley

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.

September 4, 2017January 10, 2024 by Mark Handley

Netherlands – fine and custodial sentence imposed for breach of Iran sanctions.

The District Court of East Brabant has convicted an individual for breaches of the EU’s Iran sanctions.

The defendant had traded for 2 years with a designated Iranian entity. The unspecified goods had been shipped via intermediary countries Turkey and Dubai.

He was sentenced to 16 months in jail, with a further 4 months suspended subject to a two-year probation period. He was also fined €500,000. The fine was on the individual personally and not on the company through which he traded.

August 21, 2017January 10, 2024 by Mark Handley

Lithuania – prosecutors commence investigation into possible Crimean sanctions breaches

The Lithuanian Prosecutor General’s Office has announced that the Lithuanian Financial Crime Investigation Service has opened an investigation into alleged breaches of the EU’s Crimean sanctions by three different enterprises:

a) two Lithuanian companies: BT Invest, and Hanner Group OÜ; and

b) one Crimean company owned by a Lithuanian: Pluošto Linija LLC.

It is understood that the allegation relate to investments and business dealings by Lithuanian nationals in Crimean companies and property developments in breach of the EU’s sanctions against Crimea.

July 13, 2017January 10, 2024 by Mark Handley

Italy – sentences for arms exports to Iran and Libya

It has been reported today that a plea deal has been reached for the final two defendants in the Italian prosecution of arms exports to Libya and Iran in breach of EU sanctions and export controls.

Mario Di Leva negotiated 3 years and 8 months of imprisonment and a fine of €8000, and for Annamaria Fontana the sentence was 3 years and 6 months and a fine of €7000.

See our earlier post for the plea deal for the first defendant.

May 3, 2017January 10, 2024 by Mark Handley

Italy – two year sentence for arms exports to Libya and Iran

As part of the ongoing prosecution of three Italian nationals for arms exports to Libya and Iran in breach of EU sanctions, it has been reported today that one of the defendants, Andrea Pardi, has pled guilty in return for a two-year custodial sentence.

The trial of the remaining defendants is due to start in June 2017.

April 13, 2017January 10, 2024 by Mark Handley

Italy – confiscation of illegally-imported Crimean wines

The Italian Financial Police have confiscated wines imported into Italy from Crimea in breach of the EU’s sanctions.

The confiscation took place at the wine fair, Vinitaly, and the wines from Crimea were part of the Russian exhibits. Agricultural products from Crimea are prohibited from import into the EU under the EU’s sanctions.

January 31, 2017January 10, 2024 by Mark Handley

Italy – arrests for suspected arms exports to Libya and Iran

It has been reported today that the Italian authorities have arrested four individuals, including the CEO of the company Società Italiana Elicotteri.

The individuals are Andrea Pardi, as well as married couple Mario Di Leva and Annamaria Fontana and their son.

The exports are reported to have taken place between 2011 and 2015 and relate to assault rifles, helicopters and surface to air missiles.