A court case has begun in the Netherlands against Damen Shipyards — one of the country’s largest defense companies — suspected of violating sanctions against Russia and engaging in corruption abroad, according to NL Times.
Damen builds naval vessels for the Netherlands and other NATO countries. The Dutch government considers the company nationally strategically important.
Chief Prosecutor Michiel Zwinkels noted that this is a unique case in which a major European defense company faces prosecution for sanction evasion. He stated that a conviction in the corruption case could result in a ban on the company securing government contracts for at least four years.
According to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Damen exported ship components to Russia in violation of European Union sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company allegedly falsified export declarations for deck cranes at least 14 times in 2022 to conceal their intended destination in Russia. These goods and technologies contributed to Russia’s military-technical development, violating the imposed restrictions.
Additionally, Damen Shipyards is accused of corruption, having bribed officials in various countries to increase sales of its vessels.
In a statement, Damen Shipyards said the company approaches the legal proceedings with confidence and is glad to “finally have the opportunity to explain that the prosecutor’s suspicions are unfounded.”
