The United States today imposed sanctions on at least four organizations based in Turkey that Washington accuses of violating US export controls by assisting Russian military operations.

The sanctions are Washington’s biggest punitive move against Turkey since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last year.

NEW: US Targets #Russiasanctions evasion with more than 120 legal entities and individuals in more than 20 countries. Includes firms based in #Turkey And #UAE. https://t.co/X9ciEkxkz3

— Elizabeth Hagedorn (@ElizHagedorn) April 12, 2023

The measures, which include a Turkish electronics company and a technology investor who allegedly helped move “dual-use” goods, are part of an international package of sanctions announced by the US Treasury Department against more than 120 entities.

A US administration official told Reuters that the sanctions target Turkish-based entities and individuals in the shipping and trade sectors, “most” of whom are owned or linked to Russia.

Western countries have imposed export controls and sanctions since Moscow’s invasion almost a year ago. Nevertheless, supply chains from Hong Kong, Turkey and other shopping centers remain open.

Citing reports from Russian customs, Reuters reported in December that at least $2.6 billion worth of computer components and other electronic devices had entered Russia in the seven months to October 31. Of these, at least $777 million was produced by Western companies whose microprocessors have found a place in Russian weapons systems.

Source: APE-MPE, Reuters