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Germany Busts Secret Supply Network Feeding Russia’s Nuclear Weapons and Submarine Programs
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
German authorities have dismantled a large sanctions evasion network accused of supplying Russia with Western dual-use technologies linked to its defense industry, nuclear sector, and atomic submarine programs.
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According to an investigation published by Politico on May 18, the network used intermediary companies in Germany, Türkiye, Central Asia, and the Caucasus to route sanctioned electronics and industrial equipment to Russian military-linked entities despite Western export restrictions.
German investigators arrested a 39-year-old businessman identified as “Nikita S.” in the northern German city of Lübeck after what Politico described as a years-long investigation. Prosecutors believe he managed logistics operations for the network through the Lübeck-based company Global Trade.
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According to the investigation, Global Trade initially operated as a regular commercial intermediary with Russia before Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. German authorities say the company later became part of a procurement structure used to acquire restricted Western technologies for Russian customers.
Politico reported that German investigators believe the network was effectively controlled by the Russian company Kolovrat, also known as Siderius, which is already under US sanctions for activities linked to Russia’s industrial sector.
Prosecutors said Russian operators allegedly gained direct access to Global Trade’s email accounts and posed as German company representatives during negotiations with European suppliers.
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The investigation identified shipments of microcontrollers, sensors, oscilloscopes, converters, bearings, and other dual-use components. According to Politico, some of the equipment was traced to Russian military and nuclear-linked institutions, including the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Automatics (VNIIA), which is involved in Russia’s nuclear weapons program.
German intelligence documents cited by Politico also indicate that some supplied equipment may have been intended for seawater desalination systems used on Russian nuclear submarines.
To avoid sanctions controls, the network allegedly routed goods through third countries including Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Serbia. Investigators identified the Turkish company MR Global as one of the key transit intermediaries used in the operation.
According to Politico, additional German shell companies—including ER Industriebedarf GmbH and Amtech Solutions—were allegedly used to obscure final recipients and prepare false documentation for shipments.
Investigators estimate the network handled roughly 16,000 shipments with a total value exceeding €30 million ($33.8 million).
Internal correspondence cited in the investigation showed efforts to conceal Russian involvement. In one message reviewed by investigators, a participant allegedly instructed partners: “Make sure everything looks clean. No mention of Russia anywhere.” Another message reportedly stated: “Remove all documents from the boxes before shipment.”
Earlier, several German banks reportedly froze or restricted accounts belonging to Russian citizens and dual nationals, citing sanctions compliance and money laundering concerns, with some long-term residents asked to provide additional proof of residency or citizenship.
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