The German Public Prosecutor’s Office has detained a dual German-Russian citizen on allegations of exporting drone components to Russia for military purposes. The case has garnered attention at the federal level due to its significance. The suspect, identified as Valdimir Fi, is facing charges related to violating sanctions imposed after Russia’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine last year.
According to official statements, Fi has been in pretrial detention since March 9th awaiting his trial. The allegations against him involve the export of electronic components to a Russian company involved in the production of military equipment, specifically the Orlan-10 reconnaissance drone. The German Public Prosecutor’s Office has taken a particular interest in the case, leading to the issuance of a new arrest warrant to replace a previous one issued by a local court in Mannheim on March 8th.
German authorities have been increasingly vigilant in addressing attempts to circumvent sanctions. In this particular instance, Fi is accused of exporting components on 26 occasions between January 2020 and March 2023. The components were intended for a Russian company involved in military equipment manufacturing, including the aforementioned drone model.
The arrest of Fi is not an isolated incident. Earlier this month, German authorities apprehended an employee of a sensitive department within the German army, suspected of collaborating with a Russian intelligence agency. The federal prosecutor’s office alleges that the employee, identified as Thomas H., made multiple visits to the Russian embassy and consulate, during which he provided information.
The arrested employee is affiliated with the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support
