Export Control: Looking Back at a Major Arrest in Poland

In November 2024, Polish authorities took a significant step in the enforcement of European sanctions against Russia. At the time, Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) arrested a German national accused of illegally exporting dual-use machinery to Russia, in breach of existing export control regulations.

The equipment involved, originally intended for civilian industrial applications, was allegedly diverted to supply Russian factories linked to the country’s military-industrial sector. Dual-use machinery of this kind is considered highly sensitive, as it can directly contribute to military capabilities, making it a central focus of export control regimes.

One year on, this case clearly illustrates the strengthening of investigative powers and cross-border cooperation within the European Union. It also demonstrates that authorities are increasingly willing to pursue foreign nationals when serious violations of export control rules are identified.

For European companies, this case serves as a reminder that export compliance goes far beyond basic documentation checks. Robust due diligence on end users, intermediaries and supply chains is now essential to prevent diversion risks and to avoid severe criminal and regulatory consequences.