Circumventing sanctions: Ukrainian production supplies Russian team

An Italian owning a company located in Transcarpathia, Western Ukraine, has been apprehended for producing winter jackets for the Russian national ski team. The orders were placed by "Russia Ski Team" organization. Consequentially, the suspect could face a maximum term of 10 years in prison.

One certain company in Transcarpathia is reported by odessa-journal.com to have covertly produced winter ski jackets bearing symbols of the Russian Federation. These were meant for the national ski team under the Italian brand Vist.

"Law enforcement swiftly identified, documented, and terminated this illegal operation. We are grateful for their prompt action in mitigating potential security threats and inhibiting illegal activities that serve the adversary's interests," stated Viktor Mykita, Head of Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration.

As per the investigation, the unlawful uniform production for representatives of Russia took place in a local garment factory. Earlier this year, the factory had commenced orders from the Russian company.

Local reports point out that "during this period, the workshop churned out and shipped over 40 wholesale batches of winter jackets intended for Russian skiers to Russia. To mask these illegal consignments, the people involved camouflaged the sportswear with Russian symbols using masking tape." The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine uncovered 150 jackets during their search.

How did the apparel reach Russia? It was routed via a European country where the garment factory's owner was residing. The Russian order was to be executed by a maximum of five seamstresses. For maintaining confidentiality, each of them received extra remuneration.

In Ukraine, the production of apparel for the Russian team, representing a criminal regime, incurs stern penalties. This law is applicable to those contributing towards financing actions that could potentially violate or overthrow the constitutional order or usurp state power, or alter Ukraine's territorial boundaries or state borders.

Those suspected in this case could be subject to a 10-year imprisonment sentence and property forfeiture.