German businessman under arrest for supplying drone parts to Russia

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - A German businessman has been arrested for supplying drone parts to a Russian defense company, prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday.

Waldemar W., a dual citizen of Germany and Russia, exported electronic components to a Russian defense company between 2020 and 2023, the Federal Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.

The company has been involved in the production of various weapons for the Russian army, including the Orlan-10 drones, which are currently used in Ukraine.

According to prosecutors, Waldemar W. conducted this business through several other companies abroad, in order to circumvent EU sanctions against Russia.

The investigation started earlier this year in Manheim, and later taken over by Federal Prosecutor's Office due to the special importance of the case, authorities said.

The Federal Court of Justice ruled on Monday to keep Waldemar W. in custody upon a request by the Federal Prosecutor's Office. The suspect was first arrested on March 9, following initial investigation by local authorities.

The EU imposed tough sanctions on Russia in 2014 following the illegal annexation of Crimea, and banned the export of goods and machines which can be used for military purposes.