Finance
Germany arrests five for supplying Russian defence firms
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on February 2, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 2, 2026
Quick Summary
Germany arrests five for aiding Russian defense firms, bypassing EU sanctions with €30 million in deliveries.
Germany Detains Five Individuals for Aiding Russian Defense Firms
Overview of the Arrests and Charges
BERLIN, Feb 2 (Reuters) - German authorities on Monday arrested five people suspected of forming a criminal organisation to circumvent European Union sanctions by exporting goods to at least 24 listed Russian defence companies, the federal prosecutor's office said.
Details of the Criminal Organization
The suspects, who are German, Ukrainian and Russian nationals, are accused of using a Luebeck-based company and shell firms to make some 16,000 deliveries to Russia worth at least 30 million euros ($36 million) since the start of the war in Ukraine, with Russian state agencies suspected of being behind the procurement network, the office said in a statement.
Financial Implications of the Deliveries
($1 = 0.8437 euros)
(Reporting by Kirsti Knolle, Editing by Miranda Murray)
Key Takeaways
- •Five individuals arrested in Germany for aiding Russian defense firms.
- •The group allegedly circumvented EU sanctions.
- •16,000 deliveries made to Russian firms worth €30 million.
- •Suspects include German, Ukrainian, and Russian nationals.
- •Russian state agencies suspected in procurement network.
Frequently Asked Questions about Germany arrests five for supplying Russian defence firms
1What is a criminal organization?
A criminal organization is a structured group of individuals engaged in illegal activities, often for profit, and may operate across various jurisdictions.
2What are EU sanctions?
EU sanctions are restrictive measures imposed by the European Union against countries, entities, or individuals to promote foreign policy objectives, including peace and security.
3What is financial crime?
Financial crime refers to illegal activities that involve the manipulation of financial systems or assets, including fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement.
