German accused of delivering machine tools to Russian military

A German businessman has been arrested on suspicion of delivering machinery to the Russian military, federal prosecutors said. The move is a violation of European Union sanctions against the country.
The man, identified as Alexander S., is the boss of a company based in southern Germany. He was detained in Augsburg, in line with German privacy rules, and his apartment and company premises were searched. He is facing possible charges of violating export laws.
He is accused of delivering machine tools to “military final recipients” in Russia. In particular, he made seven deliveries worth €8 million between 2016 and 2018.
The so-called dual-use goods that the man delivered, can be used for either civilian or military purposes.
Prosecutors explained he was trying to cover up who they were destined for, by sending them with false declarations and to fake recipients. Such tools are not allowed to be exported to Russia’s military under current EU rules.