German Businessman Sentenced to Six Years for Supplying Drone Components to Russia

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A German court has sentenced a businessman with dual German-Russian citizenship to six years and nine months in prison for selling electronics to Russian companies for military use, in violation of sanctions.

The court in Stuttgart ruled that the 59-year-old man delivered 120,000 components to Russia between January 2020 and May 2023, some of which were used in the “Orlan-10” drone. This unmanned aerial vehicle is actively employed by the Russian military in its ongoing conflict against Ukraine.

Following the invasion of Ukraine, the defendant sought to mask these sales to Russian entities by using documentation indicating destinations such as Hong Kong and Turkey. The court noted the “criminal energy” involved in circumventing sanctions post-February 2022, as well as the extended duration and substantial volume of these transactions.

The court’s decision also highlighted the man’s admission of guilt and expression of remorse. His 54-year-old business partner received a shorter, suspended sentence.

Logistics Companies and Sanctions Evasion

This case comes amidst broader concerns over logistics companies aiding Russian manufacturers in bypassing sanctions. Previously, media reports identified HT Rus, a logistics firm owned by Germany-based Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, as facilitating such evasion.

International Precedents

Recently, Vladimir Likhutin, a businessman of Russian descent, became the first resident of the Czech Republic to be officially convicted for violating anti-Russian sanctions.

Additionally, the Dutch company Dieseko paid 1.78 million euros to the Dutch treasury in an out-of-court settlement related to its involvement in the construction of Russia’s Kerch Bridge.

The Stuttgart court’s ruling underscores the international commitment to enforcing sanctions against Russia and preventing the use of commercial channels to support military operations. The case serves as a warning to other entities engaged in similar activities, emphasising the legal and financial repercussions of violating international sanctions.

Read also:

EU 14th Sanctions Package: A New Chapter for EU Businesses in Sanctions Compliance

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