Sophisticated Russian spy network managed to obtain “secret” technology from European companies as part of procurement for Russia’s war against Ukraineeven after the US and other Western leaders imposed sanctions.

Set up to secure supplies ranging from microchips to ammunition, this network has managed to procure machine parts and tools from Germany and Finland despite the economic measures introduced in March 2022.

The US Department of Justice states that “Sernia network“done”very sensitive and confidential activity supplies” on behalf of the FSB of Russia, including the Directorate of scientific and technical intelligence, known as “Department T”.

Among others, the “clientele” of European companies includes the Kremlin’s foreign intelligence service, known as SVRstate defense group RostecMinistry of Defense and State Atomic Energy Company Rosatom – Responsible for Russia’s nuclear arsenal.

According to the FT, a Russian company controlled by the same entity that controls the Sernia network facility and described by the US as “engaging in Russian intelligence-led activities” continued to buy critical products from EU companies.

Company records, import receipts and interviews show that Trading House TradeToolsregistered at an address in an industrial area north of Moscow, managed to be acquired – mainly from the EU. – $900,000 worth of materials since the beginning of the war.

TradeTools is registered at the same address as Robin Tradepart of the Sernia network, and is owned by the same person, a Russian named Aleksey Zhibirov.

Commercially available customs documents provided by the FT show that Robin Trade moved $12.2 million worth of goods to Russia. until April 2022to her income crash at 90% after the imposition of sanctions.

However, while other parts of the network suspended their buying activity after the sanctions, Treydtuls started importing machine tools from a German company. Customs inspection records show that TradeTools will be open by the end of 2022. transports 22 tons of equipment from Germany with a declared value of $553,000.

Customs documents show that TradeTools also bought $253,000 worth of circuit boards from a small company in Singapore. The products were produced by the American semiconductor companies Analog Devices, Texas Instruments and Altera, as well as the German IC-Haus – companies that stopped exporting to Russia, which increased the need for Russian government and military structures in advanced electronics from third countries.

Russia’s continued ability to buy supplies from Europe demonstrates the practical difficulties Western governments face in preventing Moscow from acquiring critical military-industrial technology while the war in Ukraine rages on.

Source: Financial Times.