Russian smugglers have found a way to deliver luxury cars to Russia from EU countries, despite the sanctions imposed due to the invasion of Ukraine. They charge significant amounts for such services, satisfying the demand of wealthy clients. About this informs Financial Times.
At least five Russian companies are involved in the illegal importation of large-engine cars that fall under the EU’s 2022 ban on luxury goods exports to Russia. For example, on the website “Autoimport” there was an announcement for the sale of a BMW 530 d M Sport for 7.2 million rubles (about $68,200). A representative of the German car dealer confirmed that this car was sold in Germany for 31,900 euros.
It also found more than 50 ads on Auto.ru for the sale of luxury cars, which are believed to come from 25 different German car dealerships. The average markup for such vehicles is about 19,000 euros.
After the EU in July 2022 tightened restrictions on the import of luxury goods to Belarus, smugglers developed alternative routes. Now cars are delivered to Russia via Turkey, Georgia or even South Korea. According to the representative of “Avtoimport”, transportation through South Korea has become a cheaper and faster option.
European officials acknowledge the problem of luxury car smuggling, but for now the priority is to combat sanctions evasion involving dual-use goods that can be used for military purposes.
