Dutch authorities have arrested a man on suspicion of selling microchips to Russia in breach of sanctions imposed by the West over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, officials said on Friday.
The microchips, sold to companies and other bodies in Russia, could be used for military purposes, the Dutch financial and fiscal crime investigation service (FIOD) said.
The 55-year-old suspect has dual Dutch and Russian nationality, a FIOD spokeswoman told AFP.
He was arrested in the east of the Netherlands on Sept. 27 following a report from a bank to financial investigators.
"The suspect is believed to have supplied microchips to companies or entities in Russia, among other things. These microchips can also be used for the production of weapons," FIOD said in a statement.
"It is known that the Russian arms industry is currently struggling with a serious shortage of these microchips."
The suspect is believed to have pretended the microchips were destined for somewhere else in order to evade sanctions, FIOD said.
His private and business bank accounts and stocks of electronic goods had been seized, it added.
The investigation also involved the European Union police agency Europol and Dutch customs.
The man was placed in custody on Sept. 30 by an examining magistrate, it said.
Western countries have imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Russia since its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said last month, ahead of the adoption of a fresh round of sanctions, that the "aim is here to deprive the Kremlin's military complex of key technologies."
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
