First Russian arrested in Japan for sanctions evasion

In Japan, a Russian citizen has been arrested on suspicion of sanctions evasion imposed in March 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Radio Liberty reports this based on Japanese media.

On July 10, Osaka Prefecture police detained 38-year-old Russian Andriy Sova, who manages the firm Astrade.

The Russian Consulate General in Osaka confirmed that the police had "contacted them and reported the arrest of a Russian citizen."

The suspect is accused of illegally exporting personal watercraft and marine diesel engines to Russia on a container ship. Such exports are restricted due to concerns that they could be used for military purposes, according to investigators.

Police allege that in January 2023, the Russian sent approximately ¥43 million (over $260,000) worth of goods to Russia without permission from the Japanese government.

It is also noted that Osaka police had been investigating the activities of the company managed by the suspect for some time.

This marks the first case of a Russian national being arrested for violating sanctions.

• On June 21, the Japanese government once again expanded its sanctions package against Russia due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Dozens of companies, including those from China and four other countries, were added to the sanction lists. According to Japanese authorities, these organizations are aiding Russia in bypassing sanctions by purchasing electronics for military purposes.
• In April, Japan's Ministry of Trade published a list of 164 categories of industrial goods prohibited from being exported to Russia. Sanctions included lithium-ion batteries, gas pipelines, motor oil for cars, thermostats, nitrocellulose products, and woodworking machinery. Additionally, exports of photographic equipment, handheld power tools, tungsten powder, molybdenum, cobalt, zirconium, and rhenium were banned.
• Japan has been supporting Ukraine since Russia's attack on it. Japanese authorities have ceased the export of various types of equipment, machinery, transportation, and industrial goods in solidarity with Ukraine.