The Customs Office in Frankfurt am Main has issued a press release regarding actions taken in two ongoing investigations into sanctions violations

On 1 March 2025, searches and seizures of assets worth more than EUR 7.8 million were carried out in Germany as part of two investigations initiated by the Darmstadt and Frankfurt am Main prosecutors. On suspicion of tax evasion and violation of sanctions against Russia, the investigators identified cars that had been purchased and resold without paying taxes, including those exported to Russia. As a result of the measures taken, high-value assets, including cars, watches and paintings, worth more than EUR 4 million were seized.

The defendants, two men aged 58 and 81, as well as another defendant in Frankfurt, are accused of exporting more than 150 cars to countries bordering Russia in violation of sanctions. During the investigations, large amounts of cash, expensive vehicles, as well as documents and digital media were seized as evidence. The investigations are ongoing.

Source: ZOLL