Last week, a 41-year-old man from Etten-Leur was apprehended by the FIOD on allegations of evading sanctions against Russia. The Tax Authority’s investigative department revealed that despite the sanctions prohibiting such actions, the man persistently exported computer chips to Russia.
The FIOD initiated an inquiry into the individual and his company located in Moerdijk, prompted by information obtained from Customs. The company primarily engages in the export of computer parts, with Russia being a major recipient. In February of last year, the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, which included a ban on selling computer chips and similar items to the country.
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After the implementation of the sanctions, the FIOD observed a significant decline in the man’s exports to Russia. However, they noted a substantial increase in exports to alternative countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The investigative team suspects that the suspect exported goods through these alternative countries, which ultimately found their way into Russia.
On July 11, the FIOD arrested the man, and on Friday, the magistrate ordered his remand in custody for 14 days. As part of the investigation, the authorities seized physical and digital records, as well as the stock stored in the man’s residence and company.
