Germany Arrests Five in Major Sanctions Evasion Scheme Supplying Russian Arms Manufacturers

Five Arrested in Coordinated Raids

German federal prosecutors announced on Monday, February 2, 2026, the arrest of five men suspected of orchestrating a large-scale scheme to circumvent European Union sanctions against Russia. The arrests took place in Lübeck and the neighboring district of Herzogtum Lauenburg in northern Germany. Coordinated raids were also conducted at various locations across Germany, including Frankfurt and Nuremberg.

The suspects are accused of operating a sophisticated export network that facilitated more than 16,000 shipments of industrial goods to Russia, with a total value exceeding €30 million (approximately $36 million). These goods were allegedly destined for at least 24 Russian arms manufacturers, in direct violation of EU sanctions imposed following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Allegations of a Sophisticated Procurement Network

The investigation, conducted by customs authorities in cooperation with Germany's foreign intelligence service (BND), suggests that the illicit activities have been ongoing since at least February 2022.

Prosecutors allege that the network was 'presumably operated by Russian state agencies' to procure essential industrial components for its defense industry. The exported items reportedly included critical mechanical and technical components, such as ball bearings and semiconductor devices.

Methods of Concealment and Suspects' Identities

To conceal their transactions and bypass sanctions, the suspects allegedly utilized a trading company based in Lübeck, identified by some reports as 'Global Trade'. They reportedly employed a complex web of shell companies within Lübeck, along with fictitious customers both inside and outside the European Union, and a Russian recipient company where one of the key suspects held a senior role.

Among those arrested is the managing director of the Lübeck-based trading company, a German-Russian dual national identified as 'Nikita S.' (also referred to as 'Mykyta S.'). The other arrested individuals are all German nationals; two are also Russian citizens, and one holds both German and Ukrainian citizenship. Partial names of other suspects mentioned in reports include Artem I. (German and Ukrainian citizen), Boris M. (German citizen), Yevhen R. (German citizen), and Daniel A. (German-Russian dual citizen, temporarily detained).

Charges and Ongoing Investigation

The arrested individuals face charges including membership in a criminal organization and commercial and gang-related violations of the Foreign Trade and Payments Act. Authorities have also ordered an asset freeze of €30 million to secure potential claims. Prosecutors indicated that five other suspects remain at large as the investigation continues.