African Company Emerges as Major Aircraft Parts Supplier to Russia Amid Sanctions

In a surprising turn of events, a Gabonese firm in Africa has been identified as the principal supplier of aircraft parts to Russia in 2023, funneling nearly $1.5 billion worth of components despite ongoing Western sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to a report by The Moscow Times’ Russian service, which cited customs data, Ter Assala Parts, registered in Gabon, accounted for the lion’s share of the nearly $2 billion in aircraft parts exported to Russia last year.

Following Gabon, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates emerged as significant exporters to Russia, contributing over $200 million and $160 million in aircraft parts, respectively. Intriguingly, Ter Assala Parts, the top supplier, is reportedly not listed in Gabon’s official trade registry, with a Kyrgyzstan national named as its beneficiary, suggesting the possibility of the company being a front for operations routed through Gabon.

Economists and experts, including Igor Lipsitz, have labeled the transaction as a “complicated criminal scheme” potentially involving collusion between Russian and Gabonese officials. The exports, which commenced in August 2023 amidst political unrest in Gabon, include a variety of components, notably 15 used U.S.-made engines for Boeing-737 and Airbus A320/A321, valued at over $58 million.

The United States has taken action against individuals involved in supplying aircraft parts to Russian airlines in violation of export laws, arresting Russian nationals Oleg Patsulya and Vasily Besedin in May 2023. Despite these efforts, the imports from Gabon to Russia, facilitated by companies with no apparent ties to the aviation industry, highlight the challenges in enforcing sanctions effectively.

This development underscores the resilience of Russia’s airline sector in circumventing sanctions, with experts noting that the flow of imports from Gabon indicates a near absence of foreign aircraft parts shortages in Russia. The situation reflects the complex dynamics of international trade and sanctions enforcement, raising questions about the effectiveness of current measures in isolating Russia’s aviation sector from global supply chains.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, themoscowtimes.com