Violations of russian embargo on luxury car sales discovered in Germany

The Hamburg Customs Service, acting on behalf of the Hanover Public Prosecutor's Office, is investigating a car dealer suspected of exporting vehicles from a well-known manufacturer to russia worth a total of €3.4 million in violation of current sanctions regulations.

The investigation was prompted by information received in 2024 from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Earlier, it had received a report of suspicion from one of the car manufacturers.

Cash flows from russia were linked to the sale of cars by the dealer. The customs investigation revealed that the accused had registered a large number of cars previously purchased in Germany with the customs authorities for export to countries not subject to sanctions. The investigation established that the cars in question were registered in Russia and thus exported to russia in violation of the applicable sanctions regulations.

On Tuesday, 15 July 2025, Hamburg customs officials searched the dealer's home and office. In addition to loads of evidence, they found a few thousand euros in cash that had been hidden.

The measures were supported by the Hanover Main Customs Office. 

Head of the customs police, Dr. Tino Igelmann, commented:

"For customs, ensuring compliance with EU sanctions in the customs clearance of goods is a particularly high priority. By conducting effective investigations into suspected violations of the Foreign Trade and Payments Act, the customs police make a significant contribution to ensuring compliance with international sanctions. The success of the investigation was made possible by the close cooperation and coordinated work of the customs authorities, the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) and the customs investigation service, in which the confiscation of assets also plays an important role."

Further investigations by the Hamburg Customs Investigation Office on behalf of the Hanover Public Prosecutor's Office are ongoing.

Source: Zoll