European goods worth more than $1bn disappear in transit through Russia - Financial Times

Public data analysed by the Financial Times reveal that only about half of the $2 billion worth of dual-use goods shipped from the EU actually reached their declared destinations in Qazaqstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.

The goods were shipped in 2022. They have potential use for military purposes by intelligence services and are subject to export controls. It is likely that the goods entered Russia under the guise of transit and remained there.

The discrepancy in the records suggests that Russia circumvented sanctions by having intermediaries, agents and suppliers provide false destinations to EU customs.

The equipment helped Moscow maintain access to important European products, including aircraft components, optical equipment and gas turbines.

"Where else can this go? Why do these countries [Armenia, Qazaqstan and Kyrgyzstan - ed] suddenly need these goods at this time? Who needs these goods the most in the region? It is obviously Russia," said Erki Kodar, Estonia's Minister for Sanctions.

Among some specific categories of goods, such as gas turbines, soldering irons and radio broadcasting equipment, almost none of the items sent from the EU reached their stated destination.

Photo: CHUTTERSNAP | Unsplash