Georgia remains a transit hub for sanctioned goods to Russia – investigation
2 August 2024 09:25
Georgia continues to be a transit point for the supply of dual-use goods to Russia, despite the Georgian authorities’ claims that they have closed the possibility of circumventing Western sanctions. This was revealed by an investigation by the Georgian publication iFact, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
According to the investigation, the goods subject to sanctions enter Russia in two ways: directly from Georgia or through several countries. Statistics for 2023-2024 show that Georgia exported $10.7 million worth of such goods not only to Russia, but also to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries.
Exports of radio navigation equipment, electronic integrated circuits, data processing and sound and image transmission equipment, as well as household appliances, have increased particularly markedly. These goods can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Since 2014, Georgia has had a list of military and dual-use goods, the export of which requires a special permit from the Revenue and Duties Service. According to official figures, only 10% of applications for such exports have been approved since 2020. The Georgian authorities claim that they comply with all international norms and sanctions, exercising strict control at the border.
However, iFact journalists have discovered new schemes to circumvent sanctions. As part of the experiment, they were able to arrange for drones to be sent from Tbilisi to Samara through the transport company Kairos Logistics, which provided a “full guarantee” of delivery. They also managed to “send” integrated circuits to Russia through the company Cargo Rapido, registered in Georgia by a Russian citizen. Representatives of both companies openly stated that they were not concerned about the sanctions.
Georgia’s official position on sanctions against Russia remains unchanged. Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said that the imposition of sanctions against Russia could lead to an escalation of the conflict and even a threat of war for Georgia.
Meanwhile, Hungary is opening the EU doors to Russians.
