Lorraine Williamson
In a major operation aimed at preventing the illegal export of restricted goods, the Guardia Civil and other Spanish authorities intercepted 13,000 kilos of chemicals bound for Russia, in violation of international sanctions.
Four individuals were arrested in connection with the smuggling network, which authorities say was orchestrated from Spain to evade sanctions imposed on Russia due to the war in Ukraine.
Chemicals intercepted at Barcelona port
The chemicals were found in a container at the customs area of the Port of Barcelona. The operation, conducted jointly by the Policía Nacional and Spain’s customs agency, Vigilancia Aduanera, led to the arrests of suspects in the Catalonian cities of Sant Feliu de Guíxols (Girona), Cerdanyola del Vallès, and Santa Perpètua de Mogoda (Barcelona).
The four arrested individuals are accused of leading a smuggling ring that had been operating a commercial network to circumvent European sanctions on prohibited goods, including certain chemicals, some of which may serve as precursors to chemical weapons or nerve agents.
Investigation originated in 2022 amid Ukraine conflict
The investigation into the smuggling operation began in 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered a series of international sanctions. Moreover, these sanctions limit Russia’s access to materials and technologies that could support its military activities.
Authorities identified a company managed by Russian nationals that had created a sophisticated system of triangulating commercial, logistical, and financial transactions to secretly export chemicals to Russia. The company had a subsidiary in Moscow, which was the intended recipient of the chemicals. To disguise the final destination, the goods were routed through intermediaries in countries such as Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, before being diverted overland to Russia.
Violation of European sanctions
The chemicals seized, as well as previous shipments identified during the investigation, are strictly prohibited from being exported to Russia under European Union sanctions. These sanctions were imposed as part of measures to destabilize Russia’s efforts in Ukraine, and prohibit the supply of materials that could be used for military or dual-use purposes.
Spanish and EU authorities collaborate in ongoing investigation
The operation was coordinated by Spain’s Central Investigative Court No. 1 of the National Court, in collaboration with multiple agencies. The Policía Nacional’s Comisaría General de Información and the customs agency’s Dirección Adjunta de Vigilancia Aduanera played key roles in the investigation, which is also supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
Authorities are continuing their investigation, with further arrests and identifications of individuals involved in the smuggling network expected as the probe unfolds.
Focus on illicit trafficking of defense materials and dual-use technologies
The Policía Nacional is tasked with investigating crimes related to the illegal trafficking of defense materials and dual-use technologies, in accordance with European and international regulations. Vigilancia Aduanera also monitors international trade operations to prevent smuggling and enforce customs laws.
The case remains open as authorities work to fully dismantle the network and hold all responsible parties accountable.