Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

NYT: Russia bypasses sanctions for Western electronics via Morocco

Correspondence obtained by The New York Times reveals Russia’s strategy of using Morocco’s ports to circumvent sanctions and acquire Western electronics.
Tanger-Med container port near Tangier, Morocco.
NYT: Russia bypasses sanctions for Western electronics via Morocco

The New York Times has exposed a covert operation in which Russia reportedly circumvents Western sanctions to obtain electronic components, using Morocco as a transit point. This revelation comes from correspondence accessed by the NYT, highlighting the involvement of Russian trade representatives and a Moscow-based electronics supplier.

In the emails, Russian officials are seen discussing logistics with ProSoft, a Moscow-based electronics supplier, for rerouting goods through Morocco. These goods, originating from manufacturing hubs like Taiwan, are transferred at Tanger-Med port to vessels heading to Russia. The communications indicate a well-organized operation, with Russian officials maintaining “constant contact” with the port director and projecting an annual trade potential of $10 million. Additionally, the port is said to have designated 20 operators for rapid loading of Russian-bound shipments.

“Just a week ago, it was not difficult to ship them to us from American and European suppliers,” a ProSoft executive wrote, referring to now-banned tech.

Central to this scheme is Invent Moroc, a Moroccan-registered company previously involved in scrap metal trade but now offering processors from American and European companies, such as Texas Instruments, Intel, and NXP. Invent Moroc’s involvement signifies a shift in its business model, aligning with the demand for electronic components in Russia.

The port’s spokesperson admitted to The New York Times that Tangier-Med cannot independently verify cargoes passing through it. Responses were not forthcoming from either Prosoft or Russian officials when approached for comments. Invent Moroc, however, claimed they ceased working with Russia following the onset of the war in Ukraine.

This investigative report by The New York Times underscores the complexities and loopholes in global sanction enforcement. It highlights the challenges faced by the US, EU, and other nations in restricting Russia’s access to technologies essential for its defense and industrial sectors amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Read also:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts