According to Echo, the Munich prosecutor’s office opened an investigation against a Russian citizen. He was suspected of violating sanctions. The cause was a parcel from Russia containing two smart light bulbs.
“You allegedly ordered goods from the Russian Federation, knowing that these goods are subject to an import embargo and, consequently, to sanctions. The total value of the goods subject to sanctions is 47.00 euros,” states the document sent by the prosecutor’s office.
Fortunately, the case was closed following the proceedings. In response to a query from Echo’s journalists, the prosecutor’s office replied that the Russian had accepted the parcel without knowing its contents. The recipient himself learned that the case had been closed from the journalists; he has not yet received official notification.
According to the Russian’s advocate, Anna Shtan, a sanctions violation can carry up to five years’ imprisonment, although such cases often end in fines.
“The list of goods from Russia that are subject to sanctions is constantly expanding. It even includes things such as lipstick or rose oil. The number of such incidents is growing, because goods from Russia are currently subject to especially thorough scrutiny,” the advocate said. She added that a penalty can be imposed not only for ordering but also for a gift.
“Exiles” lawyer in Latvia Elizaveta Krivtsova noted that it is extremely difficult for an ordinary buyer to navigate sanctions restrictions. But, unfortunately, ignorance of the rules does not exempt anyone from liability. In addition, breaking the law can deprive a person of the right to stay legally in Europe.
From the standpoint of German immigration law, a criminal conviction can serve as grounds for terminating the right of residence or refusing to extend a residence permit.
However, the migration service must assess the gravity of the offense and the foreigner’s conduct. If it is a single offense without serious consequences, it is likely that it will not lead to the loss of the residence permit. In addition, German criminal law permits the discontinuation of criminal proceedings on the grounds that the violation is of minor significance.
To avoid problems, we recommend checking whether the contents of a parcel fall under the restrictions. This can be done using the customs nomenclature and the European Commission’s explanatory notes.
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