The logistics operator tried to sue Moskvich Automobile Plant for 21 million rubles, but was refused after providing documents, sanctions, and information about an unfriendly country.
PDK, a legal entity of the international logistics operator HWC International in Russia, appealed to Moscow Arbitration Court to recover 21.37 million rubles from JSC Moscow Automobile Plant Moskvich for deliveries in 2021, when Moskvich was known as Renault Russia. In spring 2022, assets of Renault group in Russia were transferred to state ownership, and control of the plant passed to Moscow government, which announced assembly of cars under Moskvich brand at the plant.
The court denied PDK’s claims, stating that the claimant failed to provide necessary documents and correspondence between companies was irrelevant to the dispute.
Additionally, the court noted that PDK beneficiary is a company based in Singapore. “At the same time, the Republic of Singapore is included in the ‘List of foreign states and territories committing unfriendly acts against the Russian Federation, Russian legal entities and individuals,’ approved by a decree of the Government of the Russian Federation,’ the court decision states.
The court’s decision also refers to US sanctions.
“Well-known circumstances include the withdrawal of many foreign automakers from the Russian market, including Renault, the change in shareholders and optimization of MAZ Moscow JSC production activities, as well as the constantly increasing number of sanctions (for example, sanctions against MAZ Moscow by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Treasury). Considering these circumstances and the efforts of government bodies to support Russian industrial enterprises, actions of the plaintiff may harm business reputation of MAZ Moskvich, disrupt plans approved by shareholders to produce cars, and negatively affect activities of MAZ MOSKVICH, as well as shareholders and persons controlling MAZ “MOSKVICH,” the court noted.
