Berlin fines German company for importing goods to Russia in violation of sanctions
A German company that exported dual-use equipment to Russia, was fined 190,000 euros, as reported by the German edition, Stuttgarter Nachrichten.
According to the publication, the equipment supplied to the Russians can be used, among other things, for military purposes.
In order to export such equipment to Russia, the firm had to obtain a special permit as required as part of EU sanctions against Moscow, but supplied the equipment without it.
"The request for permission is usually refused if the political situation in the country where the cargo is being sent is not in line with Germany's foreign and security policy, that is, if a decision on embargoes or sanctions has been made," the German customs service explained.
The name of the company and what equipment was delivered was not reported.
Customs officers became aware of the illegal exports when they inspected a spare part for one of the machines. It was noted that the equipment itself has already left the EU without a proper permit. According to the customs investigation, the company delivered the equipment ahead of schedule to avoid imminent contractual penalties.