WARSAW, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Four Belarusians and two Poles were detained and charged with attempting to smuggle to Russia devices used to automate the production of integrated circuits, used, among
Poland Charges Six Over Plot to Smuggle Sanctioned Chip-Making Gear to Russia
Suspects and Seized Equipment
Sanctions Case and Legal Actions
WARSAW, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Four Belarusians and two Poles were detained and charged with attempting to smuggle to Russia devices used to automate the production of integrated circuits, used, among others, in the assembly of combat drones, Polish prosecutors said.
Context: Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine
Warsaw has been warning of Russian and Belarusian attempts to destabilise countries backing Ukraine after Russia invaded the country on February 24, 2022.
Detained on Feb. 18
Arrests and Charges Timeline
On Wednesday, Polish prosecutors said the suspects were detained on February 18 and charged with attempting to smuggle through Belarus strategically significant equipment, which is under sanctions and which could be used in the production of military technology.
Potential Penalties Under Sanctions Act
"Violation of the provisions of the sanctions act is classified as a crime, punishable by imprisonment for a period of no less than three years," prosecutors said in a statement.
Pretrial Measures Ordered
Three suspects were placed in pretrial detention for a period of three months, while the remaining three were placed under police supervision, bail, and a ban on leaving the country.
Role of National Revenue Administration
Earlier Enforcement Efforts
"Earlier actions by officers of the National Revenue Administration helped thwart an attempt to smuggle a machine, which contributed to the disruption of potential supplies of military equipment to the troops of the Russian Federation operating in eastern Ukraine," prosecutors said.
(Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Alison Williams)
