The Netherlands is facing allegations of violating sanctions against Russia by facilitating the export of millions of microchips to the country, which are used in its military drones and precision weapons.
Dutch companies NXP and Nexperia sent millions of microchips to Russia through resellers after sanctions were imposed due to the invasion of Ukraine. The chips ended up being delivered to three Russian defense industry companies, as reported by NOS.
The report states that these microchips are present in almost all types of Russian military drones and other precision weapons (such as cruise missiles), and despite increased sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, they have still been transported in the past 18 months.
“Both NXP and Nexperia have stated that they comply with all sanctions rules, that they do not do business with Russian firms, and that their clients are forbidden from selling the microchips to Russian organizations,” the report said.
However, the researchers identified a small group of Chinese companies that would continuously supply computer chips to Russia after receiving them from the Dutch manufacturers. The largest was Sinno Electronics, which is named on U.S. sanctions lists, but not by the European Union.
Other shipments involved smaller companies sending boxes through regular mail to Russia as a way of trying to avoid sanctions.
Russian customs data obtained by Nieuwsuur reveals that in August, the Dutch company ETW-Tekhnologiya sent eight shipments containing electronics components that were later added to European sanctions lists. These products can be used in Russian weapons systems.
ETW-Tekhnologiya made it appear as though shipments were to be delivered to clients located in Dubai or Hong Kong, but the customs data obtained by Nieuwsuur showed the products cleared customs inspections in Russia.According to the news magazine show, the goods were actually intended for Russia despite being sent to different locations.
Sanctions against Russia are often circumvented by selling goods to intermediaries in third countries. The Dutch Customs office said it was difficult to check when goods which transit via Russia actually leave that country for their stated destination.
“The Netherlands is very concerned about this and, together with the European Union and other EU countries, is looking for effective ways to prevent this and to tackle brokering,” the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Relevant articles:
– Dutch company reportedly sending dozens of shipments to Russia in violation of EU sanctions
– Dutch company alleged to be sending dozens of shipments to Russia, violating sanctions
– Dutch company reportedly sending dozens of shipments to Russia, violating EU sanctions
– Millions of computer chips from Dutch manufacturers wound up in Russia …