German customs raid 14 sites over illegal Russian exports

German customs investigators have conducted raids on 14 apartments and offices across the Rhine-Main region, including Frankfurt, Bad Homburg, and the districts of Darmstadt-Dieburg and Groß-Gerau, over allegations of illegal exports to Russia.

During the operation, authorities seized documents and electronic storage devices, Hessenschau reports.

In addition, prosecutors executed two asset freezes, allowing them to seize and block funds believed to have been obtained illegally. The frozen assets belong to two companies and total €987,000 and €148,000, according to officials.

The investigation targets the management of three companies. Two of the firms are accused of exporting “various machine parts and chemical substances” to Russia in violation of sanctions.

Authorities allege the companies used a transport firm and other foreign logistics providers to covertly move goods from the Rhine-Main area to Russia, reportedly routing shipments through neighboring countries to bypass restrictions.

Customs officials discovered the illicit activity during routine export controls, prompting the raids and subsequent legal actions. The investigation highlights ongoing enforcement efforts to prevent sanction violations and the illegal transfer of sensitive materials.

By Vafa Guliyeva