Netherlands Arrests Three For Illegal Exports To Russia

A Dutch crime watchdog has arrested three people suspected of circumventing sanctions on Russia by being part of an international smuggling network.

It said two men, aged 56 and 57, from Diemen and The Hague respectively, and a 54-year-old woman from The Hague were arrested on suspicion of illegally exporting technological and laboratory equipment which could be used for military purposes.

Report says such exports are illegal under European Union sanctions imposed after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine

The authorities said they uncovered an international network centred around a Dutch-registered trading company. The company bought equipment in Europe and transported it to Russia via other countries in eastern Europe, investigators said.

The operation was supported by European prosecuting authority Eurojust with suspects questioned in Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, and Canada, the authorities said.

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere