German journalists uncovered a large-scale smuggling network that delivers sanctioned goods from the European Union directly to Moscow. Former employees of a Russian Post subsidiary created this illegal scheme to bypass trade restrictions. Hundreds of tons of parcels, including microelectronics for missiles, flow through the heart of Germany despite strict international sanctions. This detailed investigation was conducted by BILD journalists who tracked the illegal shipments across several borders.
Smuggling network in Berlin and Cologne
The investigation focuses on the activities of RusPost GmbH, a subsidiary of the state-owned Russian Post. Berlin prosecutors are currently investigating top managers of this firm for violating EU sanctions. Authorities discovered prohibited electronic devices, jewelry, and cash in dozens of intercepted packages. However, the network quickly adapted to avoid official detection.
Journalists located a new logistics headquarters in Cologne, founded in late 2022. This company operates from a warehouse near Berlin Airport. Huge 40-ton trucks regularly leave this facility for Moscow. To confirm the scheme, BILD reporters conducted a social experiment.
“BILD tested this system, using the services of a logistics company in Russian supermarkets and sending a total of five packages, equipped with hidden GPS tracking devices,” the investigation states.
Delivery routes
The smugglers use a clever trick to hide the final destination of the parcels. Workers attach transport labels from the state postal service of Uzbekistan (UzPost). Interestingly, UzPost has no legal right to operate within Germany. This suggests a confidential agreement between the Russian and Uzbek postal services to mask the movement of goods.
The route of these shipments remains consistent. Trucks travel from Berlin through Poland and Belarus before reaching Moscow. GPS data showed that these parcels crossed the EU border near Brest without significant inspections. This remains a critical issue because Belarus also faces EU sanctions, yet the border controls failed to stop the flow of illegal goods.
Strategic impact on the war
Technical components found in these parcels are vital for the Russian military-industrial complex. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously emphasized that Russia cannot produce modern missiles or drones without foreign parts. Therefore, the closure of such “shadow” channels is a matter of Ukrainian national security.
Conclusion
This investigation reveals a sophisticated system that allows the Russian military-industrial complex to obtain foreign components despite global restrictions. The use of dummy logistics companies and foreign postal labels creates a “shadow” channel that undermines European security. While German authorities continue their probe, these findings prove that Russia still finds ways to bypass sanctions through European territory.
