The Kremlin imported nearly a thousand firearms from the European Union in February 2024, avoiding sanctions. It turns out that the use of branded duct tape helped identify one of smuggling routes. This is reported by The Insider.
According to the Federal Accreditation Service, russian companies issued documents to import 159,220 rounds of ammunition and 1,338 small arms in February. 957 units were imported to bypass sanctions.
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ATA Turqua (Turkey), Sabatti (Italy) and Bergara (USA) hunting rifles make up a significant part of imports. The largest shipment was 500 Austrian 9mm Glock 17 Gen5 pistols, which are in service with police and special forces in dozens of countries around the world.
Identification of one of the smuggling routes became possible by analyzing a video advertising of German Sauer 404 carbine, the packaging of which bore the branded duct tape of Armeria Piovanelli, Italian gun store, providing clues to the entire supply chain.
Firstly, on February 29, an investigation came out about C.D. Europe S.r.l., the Italian factory and the Luxembourg Beretta Holding, which make guns and are probably directly linked to russian importers. Then, three weeks later, a related video, showing a duct tape with Armeria Piovanelli inscription on it appeared.
Reproduction of the complete supply chain through customs documents showed that Turkish ammunition and Italian guns reach russia through various channels, in particular Kazakhstan companies. Barrett MRAD rifles, which are used by military snipers are among the imported weapons. They have a high aiming range and are capable to pierce body armor.
russian companies, associated with arms imports, own a significant part of imported cartridges and small arms. It seems that the circumvention of sanctions is systematic and these weapons supply occupiers at the frontline. Here is a list of russian importing companies that receive the relevant armaments:
- Russky Orel LLC;
- Kolchuga LLC;
- Orel LLC;
- Smart Systems, LLC;
- Test-weapon LLC;
- Fort LLC.
The European Union Council Regulation formally bans arms deliveries to russia, but in fact the flow of weapons has not been stopped. The investigation shows that russia has imported thousands of weapons and millions of rounds of ammunition since the full-scale war began.
This situation poses serious challenges to the effectiveness of the EU sanctions regime. European-made weapons continue to reach russia as well as recipients often have direct links to various Western countries.
Earlier Defense Express reported that France had promised drones for Ukraine, but now considers using them too.
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