German and Austrian authorities have conducted coordinated raids on two businessmen suspected of running a sanctions evasion scheme that moved dozens of vehicles to Russia through third countries, the Kaiserslautern Public Prosecutor’s Office announced.
On September 8, 2026, investigators searched residential and business premises in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany, and Vienna, Austria, targeting two entrepreneurs based in those cities. The raids were led by prosecutors from the Kaiserslautern Central Office for Economic Criminal Matters, with participation from the Customs Investigation Office. The operation followed months of coordinated investigations by German, Austrian, and Belgian authorities.
According to prosecutors, the two businessmen are suspected of exporting 53 passenger cars and six semi-trailer trucks to Russia between autumn 2022 and the end of 2024, in violation of EU Regulation No. 833/2014 on Russia sanctions.
To conceal the illegal exports, the suspects allegedly routed the vehicles through neighboring countries – specifically Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia – before they reached Russia.
Asset Seizures
The Kaiserslautern District Court issued an asset arrest order of approximately €7 million to recover alleged illegal profits. The order was enforced simultaneously with the raids across Germany, Austria, and Belgium:
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In Neustadt: Two vehicles—a Porsche and a Mercedes-Benz—were seized
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In Vienna: €85,000 in cash was confiscated
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Bank accounts: €278,000 in balances frozen across the three countries
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Additional finding: Three hunting rifles and ammunition were seized from the Neustadt businessman for weapons law violations
Both suspects have exercised their right to remain silent, and investigations are ongoing.
