The Netherlands – two decisions on violations of EU sanctions

The Dutch courts have published two decisions on sanctions.

In the first case, the Rotterdam District Court sentenced an individual to three years' imprisonment.

The individual was convicted of providing technical assistance to a person in Russia or transferring various computer files containing information on the production of microchips to russia. The files were distributed via Google Drive and Telegram between January 2023 and August 2024.

The defendant was acquitted of charges of physically transporting similar files to russia on USB sticks.

The verdict stated:
"Providing advice and exchanging technology with Russia is an extremely serious crime. It can contribute to strengthening the military or strategic potential of that country, which affects Ukraine and may indirectly affect international security and stability. Therefore, this is a serious crime. The nature and seriousness of the facts justify a long prison sentence. The fact that the files contain outdated information is irrelevant, as this information may be of great value to a country with a (much) lower level of knowledge. It must be prevented that a country at war can in any way benefit from advanced technological knowledge. After all, it is for this reason, among others, that a broad package of sanctions against russia has also been agreed upon.

In the second case, the Amsterdam District Court issued an order for the confiscation of €1,013,956.00.

An unnamed corporate defendant was provided with goods and services related to the construction of the Kirch Bridge and was sentenced on 28 November 2024 to a fine of €120,000.

The court calculated that the gross income obtained in violation of the sanctions amounted to €2,711,085, but recognised certain expenses, including internal time spent and insurance costs, resulting in a final confiscation of €1,013,956.

As a result, the convicted company retained nearly €1.7 million in income obtained in violation of EU sanctions.

Source: EUROPEAN SANCTIONS ENFORCEMENT