The Orlan 10 drone is currently being used by Russia in the war against Ukraine. Parts for it also came via detours from Germany. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has now brought charges against two entrepreneurs.
Federal prosecutors have charged two businessmen from Germany with illegally selling electronic components for drones to a Russian company. According to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, the company they supply in Russia produces military material and accessories. “This includes the ‘Orlan 10’ drone currently used by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine.” The electrical components in question are used for this type of drone and are covered by the European Union’s Russia embargo.
Suspect in custody for almost a year
The main accused is Waldemar W., managing director of two companies in Saarland. Germany’s highest prosecutor accuses him of having repeatedly violated foreign trade law. He has been in custody for almost a year.
A woman who ran a company in Baden-Württemberg has been charged with aiding and abetting some of these violations. She was also in custody for a time, but has been at large since the end of May. The total value of the illegally executed components is around 875,000 euros.
The main suspect is said to have exported electronic components to the Russian company in 54 cases from January 2020 to March 2023. In order to circumvent the EU sanctions, he usually first imported the goods into Germany from abroad and then exported them to Russia – sometimes through the company he “controlled” and managed by the co-defendant. In 14 cases, the woman supported this by explaining to the upstream supplier that the goods would remain in Germany.
However, according to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, the goods were actually initially exported to two civilian shell companies based in Russia. From there they went to the military manufacturer. After the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine began in February 2022, the accused transported the goods to Russia with the help of advanced recipients in third countries, including Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong.
Bushman: “The rule of law Means against Russia’s war of aggression”
The Federal Prosecutor General’s indictment in mid-February shows that Germany is using all legal means against Russia’s war of aggression and its possible supporters, said Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann. The FDP politician emphasized: “Anyone who exports potential war materials to Russia from Germany must expect harsh consequences.”
The Stuttgart Higher Regional Court must now decide whether the two German and Russian nationals will be tried.