Netherlands Dismantles Smuggling Ring for Illegal Exports to Russia

An international smuggling ring suspected of exporting goods to Russia with potential military uses has been dismantled following coordinated raids in five countries, leading to the arrest of three individuals. The investigation, initiated by Dutch authorities, uncovered a network of enterprises circumventing EU-wide sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The European Union is planning to impose a new round of sanctions on Russia next month to mark the second anniversary of the invasion.