Hungarian man violates sanctions against Russia, receives fine

A man from Sándorfalva (close to Szeged) was fined for attempting to import car parts worth HUF 35 million (EUR 84.5 thousand) from Russia in violation of EU sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine. The accused, who tried to conceal the Russian origin of the goods by involving a Belarusian company, admitted his guilt and reached a settlement with prosecutors. He was fined HUF 1 million (EUR 2,400), ordered to pay additional legal costs, and had the parts confiscated.

A man from the Szeged region faced charges on Wednesday for violating sanctions imposed on Russia, after he attempted to clear a shipment of car parts worth HUF 35 million, originating from Russia, through customs in October 2022. The parts were intended for free circulation, which would have allowed them to be sold and used in Hungary, Szegeder reported.

Hungarian man tried to bypass sanctions

The accused, identified as M. M., tried to conceal the Russian origin of the goods by introducing a Belarusian company into the supply chain. This act violated EU sanctions against Russia, which were enacted due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These sanctions, as per the 833/2014/EU regulation, prohibit the purchase, import, or transfer of goods to the EU that could generate significant revenue for Russia, thereby enabling destabilising actions in Ukraine.

M. M., a seasoned trader with decades of experience in importing car parts from foreign companies to Hungary, had developed ties with various international businesses, facilitating the importation of goods from Russia. During the investigation, a settlement was reached between the defence and the prosecution. The prosecution suggested a fine of HUF 1 million, the confiscation of part of the evidence, and the payment of legal costs.

The defendant, acknowledging his guilt, agreed to the terms of the settlement. The Szeged Court approved the agreement, confirming the HUF 1 million fine, the confiscation of the car parts, and the payment of additional criminal costs amounting to approximately HUF 56,000 (EUR 135).

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