Sanctioned Goods Enter Russia from Georgia: Investigation.

The supply of sanctioned dual-use goods to Russia continues through Georgia, reports the Georgian publication iFact. Among such goods are drones, computer processors, GPS devices, and memory cards. This violates the export ban on these goods to Russia, which was introduced back in 2022.

Although the restrictions have been introduced, not all countries adhere to them. Georgia claims that it complies with all international standards and controls border crossings. However, the investigation showed that there are new schemes for circumventing sanctions, involving Tbilisi.

According to the investigation, sanctioned cargo from Georgia to Russia can pass through several borders or be sent directly. Journalists were able to send drones from Tbilisi to Samara through the company Kairos Logistics, which guaranteed the delivery of sanctioned goods. They also "sent" integrated circuits to Russia through the firm Cargo Rapido, which is registered in Georgia by a Russian citizen and does not worry about sanctions.

For 2023-2024, dual-use goods worth $10.7 million were exported from Georgia to Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian countries. There is also an increase in the export of radionavigation equipment, electronic integrated circuits, sound and video equipment, and household appliances.

Remember, the United States accused Georgia of supplying chips to Russia through sanctions evasion. In response, the Georgian Revenue Service asked their American colleagues for clarification on the evidence. However, the Georgian government refuses to impose direct sanctions against Russia, claiming that this would cause a downturn in the country's economy.