In February 2023, the EU imposed restrictions on imports of synthetic rubber, carbon black, bitumen and asphalt from Russia. According to the European Commission, the volume of these imports is around €1.3 billion.
Despite the sanctions, imports of bitumen continue according to this investigation. The oil products were delivered via Georgia to Europe, Latin America and even the United States by St Petersburg businessmen whose European companies were part of the partner network of Gazprom's subsidiary.
For this investigation, the team of journalists downloaded data from the customs database on the export of bitumen by Russian companies. They identified the beneficiaries of the companies and found links between them. They then calculated the total revenues of these companies and their export earnings, and found that the majority came from companies owned by St Petersburg businessmen, including Vadim Fridman, who is well known in social circles, and graduates of the St Petersburg State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping. The European companies associated with them - especially those registered in Estonia - were part of the distribution network of Gazpromneft - Bitumen Materials. The team identified importers - companies to which they supply bitumen, including the Syntex group of companies, which is linked to the same businessmen. One of its offices is in Hamburg, Germany.
Photo credit: Chronicles.Media
