A new investigation into exports to Russia has begun in Europe
In Germany and Austria, searches were conducted at the premises of two entrepreneurs suspected of delivering 53 passenger cars and six tractor units to Russia, bypassing European Union sanctions. The court has authorized the seizure of their assets worth approximately 7 million euros.
A new investigation into exports to Russia has begun in Europe
According to DW, the Kaiserslautern prosecutor's office announced this on September 29.
According to the investigation's version, from the autumn of 2022 to the end of 2024, the suspects exported 53 passenger cars and six tractor units designed for towing semi-trailers to Russia. It is alleged that third countries, including Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia, were used to conceal the deliveries.
Searches were conducted on September 8 at the residential and commercial premises of the entrepreneurs in the city of Neustadt an der Weinstraße in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as in the Austrian capital, Vienna. Law enforcement agencies from Germany, Austria, and Belgium participated in the operation.
Based on the prosecutor's office's request, the Kaiserslautern court authorized the seizure of the suspects' assets worth approximately 7 million euros. This amount is equivalent to the revenue presumed to have been obtained from the illegal exports.
During the searches in Germany, two cars of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz brands were seized, while in Austria, 85,000 euros in cash was confiscated. Another 278,000 euros was blocked in bank accounts in Germany, Austria, and Belgium.
In addition, three hunting rifles and ammunition were found at the entrepreneur's premises in Neustadt. Consequently, an investigation has also been launched against him regarding a potential violation of weapons legislation.
According to the prosecutor's office, both suspects have so far exercised their right to remain silent. The investigation is ongoing.
DW recalls that in March, the Würzburg court sentenced a Bavarian car dealer to six years in prison for violating sanctions by delivering 111 luxury cars to Russia. According to the investigation, these cars were delivered to employees of the Russian Federal Security Service, the Federal Protective Service, the "Rosneft" company, and the presidential administration.
In July 2025, an employee of a car dealership in Hesse was sentenced to five years in prison for selling 71 luxury cars to Russia, bypassing sanctions.
In May 2025, it was reported that German prosecutors were investigating more than 40 cases related to the delivery of luxury cars to Russia. However, experts noted that only a small fraction of the covert deliveries is being stopped.