Luxury cars delivered to russia, despite sanctions

The luxury cars were not exported directly, but via fictitious buyers in Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan or Turkey.

Following a successful investigation by the customs service, the Berlin Regional Court began proceedings in what is currently the largest case of its kind in Germany. However, of the three defendants, only Yevgeniya P. (47) appeared in court – she was brought in from custody. The whereabouts of her two accomplices, Vladimir K. (47) and Katerina M. (37), are unknown. 

Surrounded by two defence lawyers, the car dealer from Bavaria listened to the reading of the charges for two hours. During this time, she constantly struggled with back pain, doing stretching exercises.

According to the indictment, the russian woman had been using her contacts in her home country (particularly in Moscow) and in neighbouring countries since spring 2022. Her main tasks were to purchase cars, organise supply chains and conceal payments and deliveries with the help of front men and fictitious accounts.

According to reports, 257 used cars were illegally delivered to russia. Among them were a Mercedes V-Class for €118,000, a Mercedes AMG G 63 for €238,360, a BMW xDrive40d for €113,000, a Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid for almost €123,000, and a Range Rover for €269,900. Luxury cars with sales proceeds of €28.2 million!

According to EU regulations, from 15 March 2022, in response to russia's violation of international law as a result of its attack on Ukraine, the export of luxury goods such as cars worth €50,000 or more will be prohibited, and from 24 June 2023, regardless of the value of the cars.

Another car dealer from Baden-Württemberg was also allegedly involved in some of the export transactions. His case is being dealt with separately. The defendant allegedly received a commission of at least €1,500 for each car sold.

Source: B.Z. – Die Stimme Berlins