Germany investigated a network of supplies to Russia with the secret services

German authorities have detained five people suspected of organizing a large-scale network of illegal deliveries of goods to Russian defense companies, thereby circumventing European Union sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

According to the federal prosecutor's office, the suspects were German, Russian, and Ukrainian nationals, and the arrests were made in and around the port city of Lübeck.

The investigation is continuing against five other individuals who remain at large.

The key figure was allegedly Nikita S., a German-Russian citizen who allegedly controlled the company serving as the center of the entire operation. The suspects allegedly used fictitious companies, fake recipients in and outside the EU, and Russian entities to conceal the actual flow of goods.

The prosecutor's office estimates that since February 2022, they have organized approximately 16,000 deliveries worth at least €30 million.

The German authorities have already ordered the freezing of assets in the corresponding amount. The investigation was carried out in cooperation with the German intelligence service.

(reuters, pir)