Authorities Raid Spinner Factory Over Suspected Illegal Exports to Russia
Authorities have raided the premises of Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Spinner in Sauerlach, near Munich, following suspicions of illegal exports to Russia. The investigation, launched in February 2025, alleges deliberate circumvention of the economic embargo against Russia.
The probe began after a report by ARTE television and an anonymous complaint. The German company is accused of delivering over 20 high-precision machine parts, worth about €5.5 million, to a Russian company between February and July 2025. This is despite an export ban on such goods, effective since February 26, 2023.
Search warrants were executed simultaneously in Munich, Baden-Württemberg, and Bulgaria on July 30, 2025. Three employees of the machine tool factory are currently accused of violating the embargo. Investigations also suggest possible circumvention exports via third countries like Turkey and China.
The Customs Investigation Office Munich and the Public Prosecutor's Office Munich I, with over 140 officers and eight prosecutors involved, are leading the investigation. The suspected breach contravenes EU Regulation No. 833/2014, which prohibits the sale of dual-use goods and technologies to Russia for military purposes.
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