German-Russian National Detained for Smuggling €715K in Electronic Components to Russia
A German-Russian national, Waldemar W., has been detained since March 9, 2023, following an arrest warrant issued by Mannheim Local Court. The Federal Prosecutor's Office took over the case on March 20, 2023, due to its significance, and obtained a new arrest warrant on August 28, 2023. The suspect is accused of repeatedly violating the Foreign Trade and Payments Act for commercial purposes between January 2020 and March 2023.
Waldemar W. is suspected of smuggling electronic components worth approximately €715,000 to Russia. He exported these components to a Russian company involved in producing military material, including the 'Orlan 10' drone used in the Russia Ukraine war. To circumvent EU sanctions, Waldemar W. imported goods to Germany before exporting them to Russia via intermediaries in third countries. Despite investigations, no information has been found about companies in Saarland founded by Waldemar W. being involved as partners in the 26 export cases related to this smuggling operation.
The suspect, Waldemar W., remains in detention as the investigation continues. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is examining the case's details and potential implications on the ongoing Russia Ukraine war. The total value of the illegally exported components highlights the seriousness of the alleged offenses.
