Businessman Detained in Germany
German law enforcement detained 39-year-old businessman Nikita S. near the Radisson Blu Senator hotel in Lübeck on suspicion of orchestrating a scheme to supply European technologies to Russia’s military-industrial complex. The arrest capped a four-year investigation conducted by a joint network of reporters from Axel Springer, Bild, and Politico. His companion, Olga S., was briefly detained alongside him and is considered a witness in the case. Nikita S. remains in custody and faces up to 10 years in prison for violating Germany’s Foreign Trade Act.
Technology Supply Scheme
At the heart of the supply scheme was the German company Global Trade, which exported products directly to Russia until 2022. After that, the sanctioned Russian company Kolovrat, also known as Siderius, took over management of Global Trade from Moscow. Nikita S. became director of Global Trade in March 2022. Employees of Kolovrat had access to the German firm’s corporate email, indicating close collaboration between the companies.
The scheme involved the supply of dual-use goods, including:
- microcontrollers
- sensors
- oscilloscopes
- ball bearings
- measuring equipment
These items were destined for Russian defense industry enterprises and nuclear research institutes. The central transit hub was the Turkish company MR Global, with German shell companies also used, including ER Industriebedarf GmbH, founded by Russian citizen Eugen R., and Amtech Solutions, established in May 2025 by Daniel A.
The investigation revealed that a file titled “Nikita’s Order List” recorded approximately 16,000 shipments worth over 30 million euros. Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) gained access to Kolovrat’s internal systems and documented the transfer of equipment to the All-Russian Institute of Automation (VNIIA). The BND shared this data with prosecutors and customs for further investigation. Also in custody is former Global Trade head Boris M., who was dismissed in 2022. Another Russian company, Rokem Services, attempted to obtain desalination plant equipment through Global Trade.
This arrest highlights European efforts to crack down on illegal technology supply chains to Russia, especially amid the ongoing military conflict. The detention of Nikita S. could have far-reaching implications not only for his business but also for other companies linked to similar schemes, as heightened scrutiny may lead to tighter controls on foreign trade.
The recent arrest of Nikita S. highlights the ongoing challenges faced by European authorities in combating illegal technology transfers. This situation is reminiscent of other cases, such as the recent extradition of a Ukrainian suspect linked to sabotage plans at a drone factory. For more insights into how international law enforcement is addressing these complex issues, read about the extradition of the Ukrainian suspect.