Chemical smuggling and sanctions evasion routes from Europe to Russia are analyzed via intermediary countries like Armenia.
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The article details how Russia is circumventing Western sanctions through complex international trade networks. It highlights examples such as the use of chemicals like diethylamine and nitric acid, which were seized in Spain, to illustrate illicit activities. A key method involves using intermediary countries, particularly those within the Eurasian Economic Union like Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, to disguise the final destination of goods destined for Russia via shell companies. These intermediaries facilitate re-exports of Western products, including dual-use items, military equipment, and even Ukrainian goods. While European sanctions aim to deny Russia advanced technology and reduce its revenue, these evasion tactics are proving effective. The text also mentions illegal smuggling of hydrocarbons in Spain and the use of Russian “ghost fleets” for fuel transfers. Despite EU efforts to monitor and restrict re-exports, analysts suggest that diplomatic pressure alone is insufficient against Russia’s determined circumvention strategies.
