German law enforcement agencies have conducted searches as part of an investigation into the activities of a dealer who supplied luxury cars to Russia, circumventing sanctions, according to Bild.
"One of the car dealerships in the city of Bochum in western Germany is under suspicion. The prosecutor's office and customs are investigating its manager,” the agency writes.
It is noted that he sold luxury cars to Russia totaling 5 million euros. Among them are Mercedes and Porsche cars.
The journalists explained that the businessman had violated the current export embargo. On Thursday, searches were conducted in Bochum and Dortmund, several cars were confiscated, and the investigation is ongoing.
Sanctions against Russia have not stopped the luxury cars trade
Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, several Western countries have imposed large-scale sanctions against Russia. Meanwhile, many foreign car manufacturers have ceased their business in Russia.
However, the supply of cars continues through third countries. Recently, Politico wrote that Germany and France do not want to close a loophole in the sanctions regime that would allow them to cut off the supply of luxury cars to Russia.