International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) has referred two EU nationals to national law enforcement authorities following a year-long investigation into alleged violations of European Union sanctions on Russia and possible links to war crimes in Ukraine.
IPHR said on Tuesday that its investigation uncovered a network allegedly involved in supplying tens of millions of dollars worth of restricted Western microelectronics to companies linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex.
The group of components identified in the investigation included Western-made microelectronics that, according to IPHR’s analysis, were potentially destined for weapons systems used by Russian forces in the war in Ukraine.
These included Su-34, Su-35 and Su-57 fighter jets, Kh-59 and Kh-101 missiles, Iskander-K missiles and UPMB/UPMK glide bombs, IPHR said.
The organisation submitted its findings to the relevant national authorities, combining open-source evidence with trade and corporate records and legal analysis. It said the evidence warranted further investigation and potential prosecution.
IPHR did not identify the two individuals or provide details of the authorities to which the materials were submitted, saying it did not want to prejudice any assessment or investigation.
The case highlights the challenges facing the EU in enforcing sanctions designed to prevent sensitive Western goods from reaching Russia’s defence industry through third countries.
“European-made components must not be allowed to reach the Russian military-industrial complex through circumvention networks,” IPHR said.
The B4Ukraine Coalition member said it would continue investigating potential sanctions violations and documenting the role of individuals and companies whose activities could contribute to Russia’s ability to sustain its war against Ukraine.