Berlin Woman Arrested for Alleged €21 Million Luxury Car Exports to Russia in Violation of EU Sanctions

Authorities say the 46-year-old circumvented sanctions by falsely declaring vehicles were destined for other countries before they were delivered to Russia.

A 46-year-old woman from Belarus has been arrested in Landshut, Germany, on suspicion of violating EU sanctions by exporting luxury cars worth €21.4 million to Russia.
Investigators allege the woman and two accomplices falsely declared that 192 cars were being exported to Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, or Uzbekistan, but the vehicles were ultimately registered in Russia.
EU sanctions prohibit the export of luxury goods, including vehicles over €50,000, to Russia since March 2022, with restrictions extended to all vehicles in June 2023.
Authorities conducted raids in Berlin and Bavaria, seizing vehicles, business documents, and other assets, while securing a financial claim (Vermögensarrest) to recover the illicit profits.
The suspect remains in custody due to flight risk concerns and is awaiting a court hearing to determine her continued detention.