In a significant development, two individuals were apprehended in Arnhem for their involvement in the illicit supply of aircraft parts to Russia, a clear violation of international sanctions.

Notably, one of the arrested individuals was an employee of the Dutch defense ministry.

The initial arrest took place on August 29th and targeted a 53-year-old man. This operation encompassed searches at a private residence, business premises, and a storage facility. As a result, investigators from the FIOD finance ministry seized a substantial amount of evidence, including computers, administrative records, over €250,000, $8,000 in cash, aircraft components, as well as weaponry and ammunition.

Following this arrest, a second individual was apprehended the following day. The 48-year-old man was revealed to be an employee of the Dutch Ministry of Defence. Both individuals are suspected of attempting to circumvent international sanctions by engaging in the clandestine export of aircraft parts to Russia, employing a circuitous route for their transactions.

Subsequent searches of the defence ministry worker's residence yielded additional evidence, including ammunition, computers, and administrative records. The military police were also called in to assist with the ongoing investigation, as reported by the FIOD.

Both suspects have been placed in custody for a duration of 60 days pending further inquiries into their activities.

Investigative website Follow the Money identified the defence ministry worker as Michael H, who is the proprietor of a company named Marine Aerospace, among other operations. Additionally, Michael H is reported to be a member of the defense ministry works council, according to Follow the Money's findings. Photo by Antoinette Kuhlmann, Wikimedia commons.