A Dutch crime monitor has announced that it had detained three persons who were allegedly involved in an international smuggling network that allowed them to evade sanctions against Russia.
According to the report, a 54-year-old lady from The Hague and two men, ages 56 and 57, from Diemen were detained on suspicion of smuggling technology and laboratory equipment used for military use.
Sanctions implemented by the European Union following the start of the conflict in Ukraine make such exports unlawful.
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.
