Luxury Cars Circumvent Sanctions Through Kyrgyzstan to Reach Russian Buyers
A joint investigation uncovers that luxury cars are reaching Russian clients through Kyrgyzstan amidst sanctions. Dealerships like Berg Auto Premium are major players in this illicit trade, with a marked increase in vehicle imports and questionable customs practices. Key individuals linked to the trade have significant ties to the Kyrgyz political elite, further complicating efforts to enforce sanctions. Journalists involved in the investigation face risks, emphasizing the broader dangers of exposing such activities.
A recent joint investigation reveals how luxury vehicles are reaching Russian buyers through Kyrgyzstan, circumventing international sanctions. Moscow’s Berg Auto Premium dealership offers an array of high-end cars that are otherwise unavailable in Russia due to import bans. Luxury models such as the Tesla Cybertruck and Rolls-Royce Cullinan are being imported into Kyrgyzstan, where customs processes occur remotely, often without the vehicles physically entering the country.
The investigation highlights significant irregularities in the import process. In 2023, Kyrgyzstan’s vehicle imports soared to $2.7 billion, a dramatic increase from prior years, with nearly 900 BMWs and 820 Mercedes-Benz vehicles entering Russia via this channel. Reports indicate that counterfeit customs documents can be easily obtained, enabling this illicit trade under a so-called “Wi-Fi system.”
Berg Auto Premium’s co-founder, Mark Berg, formerly known as Benas Gutkauskas, has a questionable past and has maintained ties to the Kyrgyz authorities. His dealership employs strong connections within Kyrgyzstan, with individuals such as Aziz Jyrgalbekov confirming the flow of vehicles from Europe and South Korea. Additionally, insider Syrgakbek Atyshov’s social media suggests connections to the Kyrgyz political elite, raising further concerns about corruption.
This investigation draws attention to the broader implications of luxury car trafficking amidst ongoing sanctions, specifically uncovering how established pathways enable affluent Russians to access Western goods. Following the investigation’s progress, journalist Bolot Temirov faced severe repercussions for exposing these links, reflecting the risks involved in pursuing press freedoms in the region.
As the investigation continues, the implications of these illegal trade routes underscore the resilience of networks engaged in circumventing sanctions, presenting ongoing challenges to international oversight and enforcement.
The investigation into Berg Auto Premium reveals how luxury cars are funneled into Russia via Kyrgyzstan, exploiting loopholes in customs and sanctions. With a staggering increase in vehicle imports, it highlights the ongoing struggles against illicit trade practices and underscores the risks faced by journalists bringing such issues to light. The association between high-profile individuals and the Kyrgyz government raises critical questions about corruption and accountability in the region.
Original Source: meduza.io
