Additional Coverage:
Spanish police have confiscated a massive shipment of 13 tons of illicit chemicals, including potential precursors for chemical weapons, that were destined for Russia.
The authorities have apprehended four alleged members of a criminal organization suspected of evading sanctions by smuggling chemicals to Russia through a front company operated by Russians.
The chemicals were concealed in a container at Barcelona’s port, and the suspects were detained in nearby towns. They face charges of ongoing smuggling of prohibited goods.
The Spanish firm had an elaborate network to transport sanctioned chemicals to Russia, with a Moscow subsidiary receiving the goods. They also employed shell companies in Armenia and Kyrgyzstan to disguise the destination of the chemicals, which were later rerouted to Russia.
The European Union has been working to crack down on businesses selling dual-use goods to Russia through Central Asian nations to circumvent sanctions.
The United States and the United Kingdom have accused Russia of violating the international ban on chemical weapons in Ukraine, prompting sanctions from London against troops allegedly involved.
Russia has consistently denied the allegations, with a Kremlin spokesperson emphasizing Moscow’s commitment to the chemical weapons ban treaty.