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German Firm Kontron Circumvented EU Sanctions to Export Dual-Use Telecom Tech to Russia
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![Maryna_kulakova]( "Photo of Maryna Kulakova")
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German tech firm Kontron exported sensitive telecommunications equipment to Russia through its Slovenian subsidiary, Kontron d.o.o, despite EU sanctions, Politico reported on May 23.
Between July and November 2023, Kontron shipped more than €3.5 million ($3.9 million) worth of equipment to its Russian subsidiary, Iskra Technologies. The shipments—11 in total—included the SI3000 telecommunications platform, a dual-use system capable of intercepting and monitoring communications.
Politico noted that the exports appeared to bypass multiple EU sanctions introduced in 2023, which specifically target dual-use and sensitive technologies.
Kontron claimed the shipments were tied to contracts signed before the sanctions and were cleared by Slovenian authorities under previously granted licenses. However, EU rules apply to all dual-use technology contracts, regardless of when they were signed.
Exceptions are limited to specific uses, such as cybersecurity, healthcare, or emergencies, and only with national government approval.
Previously, the European Parliament has approved a package of trade measures aimed at limiting Russia’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine while strengthening the EU’s food and economic security.
According to website of the European Parliament on May 22, the new regulation imposes prohibitive tariffs on fertilizers and selected agricultural products from Russia and Belarus.
