The Stuttgart city court has found a German businessman guilty of selling electronics to Russian companies for military use, thereby violating international sanctions.
The businessman, who holds dual German-Russian citizenship, now faces a prison sentence of six years and nine months.
Details of the Case
According to Reuters, the Stuttgart city court found the 59-year-old man guilty of delivering 120,000 electronic components to Russia between January 2020 and May 2023.
These parts were used in the Orlan-10 drone, employed by the Russian military in the conflict against Ukraine.
Following the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the accused attempted to obscure his sales to Russian companies by using falsified documents indicating destinations such as Hong Kong and Turkey.
The court emphasized the "criminal energy" he demonstrated, particularly his efforts to evade sanctions after February 2022, the long duration of the transactions, and their substantial volume.
In sentencing, the court acknowledged the defendant's admission of guilt and expression of remorse. His 54-year-old business partner received a shorter, suspended sentence.
Other Incidents of Sanctions Violations
This case is part of a broader issue of companies and individuals attempting to avoid sanctions imposed on Russia:
HT Rus: The logistics company, part of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, has been reported to aid Russian manufacturers in bypassing sanctions.
Czech Republic: Vladimir Lihutin, a businessman of Russian origin, was recently convicted for violating anti-Russian sanctions, marking the first such conviction in the country.
Netherlands: Dieseko, a Dutch company, paid €1.78 million to settle out of court after being implicated in the construction of the Russian Kerch bridge, violating sanctions.
