Two people have been arrested in Sweden for supplying sanctioned technology to the Russian military

The Swedish Security Service (SAPO) has charged two men with organizing a scheme to supply high-tech equipment to the Russian military-industrial complex. The suspects were taken into custody following extensive searches of their homes. 

Euronews reported this, citing official data from Swedish law enforcement agencies.

The investigation established that the detainees helped Russia procure advanced engineering products in circumvention of international sanctions during the period from June 2025 to May 2026. According to SAPO Deputy Chief of Operations Christoffer Wedelin, the perpetrators operated through a complex network of intermediaries to minimize the risk of detection and conceal the final recipient of the goods. A large-scale investigation is currently underway to identify all participants in the supply chain.

The arrests took place amid increased controls by European countries on the export of dual-use goods that could be used in the war against Ukraine. Law enforcement officials emphasize that the use of front companies is a typical method for circumventing restrictions imposed on Russia. Further details of the investigation are not being disclosed at this time in the interests of Sweden’s national security.

Portugal has launched an investigation into companies that may be helping Russia circumvent EU sanctions. Despite a drop in direct exports to Russia, shipments of goods to some of its neighboring countries have surged. There are suspicions that products from Europe ultimately end up in the Russian defense industry via these countries.

On April 23, EU member states approved the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which imposes restrictions on 46 vessels of the “shadow fleet” and 60 entities supporting the Russian military-industrial complex. The new measures include stricter export restrictions on dual-use goods and sanctions against 20 credit and financial institutions.