Russian National Faces Over 3 Years in Prison in Japan for Circumventing Sanctions

A Russian national faces prison time and fines in Japan for circumventing sanctions against Russia. The Osaka police accuse the detained individual of supplying certain goods to Russia without the permission of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

This was reported by the Consulate-General of Russia in Osaka.

The 38-year-old Russian national named Andrey Sova was arrested in Japan on suspicion of evading sanctions, reported Japanese news outlet Nikkei on July 10. Nova exported personal watercraft, marine engines, and used motorcycles worth about 43 million yen (approximately $290,000) through South Korea. Since February 2022, the export of marine engines and vessels to Russia has been prohibited under economic sanctions.

The first hearing in the case began on October 10. The Japanese prosecution has requested a sentence of three years and six months in prison for Sova, along with a fine of 5 million yen (approximately $33,500).

This is the first case of a Russian citizen being detained on Japanese territory for violating laws related to compliance with sanctions.

The restrictions Japan implemented in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine were introduced in several phases and affect more than 1,000 individuals and 120 organizations from Russia.