German customs have blocked the supply channels for expensive cars to Russia.
In Germany, search and seizure operations have been carried out on assets related to the supply of expensive vehicles to Russia in order to bypass sanctions. The German customs office said that, on March 27th, 24 searches were conducted on behalf of prosecutors in two cases related to violations of sanctions imposed on Russia.
In one case, searches were carried out in districts such as Offenbach and Main-Taunus. A large amount of luxury watches, musical instruments, and paintings with a total value exceeding one million euros were seized, as well as 13 luxury cars worth approximately three million euros and real estate valued at millions. Additionally, a significant amount of digital media and business-related documents were also seized. Two individuals are accused of having supplied expensive vehicles to Russian customers.
The second case, being investigated by the prosecutor’s office in Frankfurt am Main, involves a 55-year-old man accused of exporting over 150 cars to different countries bordering Russia. These cars were eventually brought into Russia in breach of the sanctions. During searches, more than €120,000 in cash and two expensive vehicles were seized.
The European Union banned exports of luxury goods worth over €50,00 to Russia in March 2022. This includes cars, machinery, jewellery, perfumes, bags, precious stones, delights, and expensive alcohol.
