Kallas proposes assigning sanctions evasion cases to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office
In Brussels, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas proposed assigning the European Public Prosecutor’s Office the task of investigating cases involving the circumvention of sanctions against Russia, the aggressor state. This concerns companies and individuals that help Russia evade restrictions and support its war against Ukraine.
Kallas’s proposal
As Politico Europe reports, Kallas voiced the idea at a meeting with ambassadors of EU member states on Wednesday. According to two diplomats familiar with the course of the discussion, she did not present specific proposals at this stage.
The Luxembourg-based European Public Prosecutor’s Office could investigate supplies of sensitive goods that Moscow may use for its war machine, as well as money laundering for the Kremlin. Prosecutors could also examine violations of rules governing dealings with sanctioned Russian and Belarusian entities and prohibited transactions within the EU.
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Sanctions enforcement in the EU
Currently, enforcement of EU sanctions is complicated by differing national legislation and varying approaches by prosecutors in the 27 capitals. Expanding the mandate would be a substantial addition to the current powers of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, which investigates and prosecutes serious organized crime, including money laundering, corruption and cross-border fraud.
In July, the EU approved its 21st package of sanctions against Moscow since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The restrictions targeted oil and gas exports, financial services and cryptocurrency exchanges used to move funds to Russian institutions.
