The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting a network involved in the procurement of defense equipment for Russia.
This network comprises individuals and entities located in Belgium, Sweden, Hong Kong, and other locations.
These sanctions are part of Washington’s efforts to counter Russia’s evasion of Western sanctions linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
The US Treasury Department stated that the network, led by businessman Hans de Geer, based in Belgium, was involved in purchasing electronics with military applications on behalf of Russian end-users.
The network consists of nine entities and five individuals spanning Russia, Belgium, Cyprus, Sweden, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands.
The US Department of Justice has also unveiled separate indictments against de Geer, related to his scheme to export sensitive technology with military applications from the United States to end-users in China and Russia.
Additionally, the US Department of Commerce has added five entities to its entity list.
Brian Nelson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the US Treasury Department, remarked that the country and its allies remain focused on impeding any attempts by Russia or its trusted agents to access the critical inputs and technologies necessary to support Moscow’s defense industry and facilitate its brutal war in Ukraine.
The Russian Embassy in Washington has yet to respond to requests for comment, and Hans de Geer has not been reached for comment as of now. Belgian media had previously reported his denial of allegations of sanctions evasion, stating that they currently export jewelry, not advanced technology.
Washington has accused Belgian businessman de Geer of acting as a long-standing procurement agent for Russia, holding managerial roles in several companies in Belgium, Cyprus, and the Netherlands.
Separately, the US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on 11 entities and seven individuals in a move aimed at increasing pressure on Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus, due to what it described as the suppression of the democratic civil society, financial corruption, and involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
This latest action, announced on Tuesday, leads to the freezing of any US assets of the designated individuals and entities and generally prohibits Americans from engaging in transactions with them.
