Postal Loopholes Help Move Banned Goods
Russian shipments are reportedly bypassing EU sanctions by using a Berlin-based logistics hub and lightly regulated international mail, according to an investigation by German newspaper Bild. Test packages containing prohibited items and GPS trackers passed through a logistics hall near Berlin Brandenburg Airport without interruption, then moved through Poland and Belarus to Moscow.
The scheme allegedly uses shipping labels from Uzbekistan’s state postal service, even though Germany does not authorize the service to operate domestically. International mail faces simpler customs checks than standard exports, allowing banned goods to slip through more easily. The operation is said to be run by Dimitri V., the former head of RusPost GmbH, Germany’s branch of Russia’s state postal service. Customs raided the company’s Berlin offices in August 2024, but no charges were filed.
Kyiv Calls for Stricter Enforcement
Ukraine’s presidential envoy for sanctions policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, said he was not surprised by the findings and criticized Europe for failing to close such loopholes. “Nobody is doing enough, if you look at the number of cases,” he said.
Vlasiuk, currently touring Europe, outlined three priorities for tougher sanctions enforcement: stronger financial measures, stopping Western components from reaching Russia, and decisive action against the country’s shadow fleet. He noted that Western parts have been used in many of Russia’s more than 50,000 Shahed drone attacks, and that cryptocurrencies make sanctions easier to circumvent. “Strong sanctions send a strong message to Russia,” he added, though he acknowledged that current pressure is still insufficient.
Shadow Fleet Still Evading Sanctions
Russia’s shadow fleet continues to play a key role in evading sanctions, transporting oil and other commodities with old, underinsured tankers registered under shifting or unclear flags of convenience. Despite EU sanctions on over 600 ships, around 70% remain active, according to Vlasiuk.
France recently seized the tanker Grinch in the western Mediterranean, accusing it of sailing under a false flag. On 26 January, Germany and 13 other EU countries issued a joint warning that vessels in the Baltic and North Sea using multiple or false flags would be treated as stateless unless they have valid documentation, communicate with authorities, and comply with maritime safety regulations. The statement did not detail enforcement measures or penalties for non-compliance.
