Massive tech supply scheme for Russian military uncovered in Germany
Photo: German police (Getty Images)
German law enforcement officials have uncovered a large-scale scheme to circumvent Western sanctions, through which Russia obtained critical technologies for its military industry, according to Politico.
Read also: Russian missile that killed dozens in Kyiv contained parts from Europe, Japan, US — Zelenskyy
According to the agency, the investigation focused on the German trading company Global Trade, based in Lübeck.
Investigators determined that Russian handlers had access to the German company’s internal email and correspondence. Through it, they placed orders for dual-use goods across Europe using fictitious names.
To conceal the final recipient, the goods were shipped through third countries, most often through Türkiye. According to investigators, delivery of the cargo from Europe to Russia took only a few days.
Among the purchased goods were:
- Microcontrollers
- Electronic sensors
- Bearings
- Oscilloscopes
- Complex measuring equipment
- Other electronic components.
Investigators found that some of these goods went directly to Russian military enterprises, specifically to institutions involved in the nuclear weapons program.
The case files contain internal correspondence between the scheme’s participants. One message contained the instruction: "Make it look clean. No Russian reference anywhere." Another discussed the need to remove documents from the boxes before shipping.
German intelligence was able to infiltrate Kolovrat’s internal network and track shipments from within.
As a result, law enforcement detained Nikita S. and several of his accomplices.
According to investigators, approximately 16,000 shipments worth over 30 million euros passed through this network.
The suspects face up to 10 years in prison for violating export controls and aiding in the circumvention of international sanctions.
German investigators believe that the exposed scheme may be only part of a much larger system through which Russia continues to obtain Western technology for military and strategic programs, despite international restrictions.
Russia continues to incorporate foreign components into its weapons
Despite global sanctions, Russia continues to obtain foreign components for weapons production.
In particular, following a massive attack on the night of May 14, Russians struck a residential building in Kyiv with a Kh-101 missile manufactured as early as the second quarter of 2026.
Recently, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) specialists dismantled the new Russian Klin drone and found foreign-made components inside it. These include parts from China, the United States, Australia, Switzerland, Taiwan, and South Korea.
