German authorities uncovered a sophisticated Russian-led smuggling network bypassing sanctions to provide dual-use tech to Russia's military-industrial sector via front companies and third countries.

A German-based smuggling network led by Nikita S. exploited front companies and complex routing through third countries (notably Turkey) to circumvent Western sanctions and supply dual-use technology to Russian military and nuclear research entities. The network, controlled operationally by the Russian company Kolovrat, utilized German companies (Global Trade, ER Industriebedarf, Amtech Solutions) and a Turkish company (MR Global) to disguise shipments. German intelligence (BND) infiltrated the operation, providing critical internal documents that helped prosecutors in Germany build a criminal case with multiple arrests, highlighting gaps in sanction enforcement.