Key facts
- Two Belarusian cousins convicted in Vienna for violating EU export controls.
- They supplied metalworking machines and tools to Russian military companies.
- The equipment was used to manufacture engines for missiles and fighter jets.
- The scheme operated through a Vienna-based firm and a network of shell companies.
- Both defendants pleaded guilty and received suspended sentences.
Two Belarusian cousins were convicted on August 12 by a Vienna court for supplying manufacturing equipment to Russia's weapons industry, violating EU sanctions. The duo utilized an Austria-based business and a network of shell companies to transport metalworking machines and tools into Belarus via third countries. The Austrian government stated this equipment was used to manufacture engines for missiles and fighter jets, destined for companies affiliated with the Russian state-owned conglomerate Rostec.
The main defendant, a 28-year-old mechanical engineering student and director of the Vienna-based firm, was arrested in May. He pleaded guilty, alleging his father and uncle orchestrated the scheme, which began in 2022 and involved an unspecified Russian company. His 24-year-old cousin, who managed the company's accounts, also pleaded guilty. Both declined to appeal the ruling.
Austrian authorities seized property worth approximately $161,000 from the main defendant. Evidence indicated that industrial goods valued at over €3.3 million had been delivered to Russian arms manufacturers since 2022. The main defendant received a 21-month prison sentence, with 19 months suspended, and was released due to time served in pretrial detention. His cousin was given a 15-month suspended sentence.