Moldovan Companies Linked to $15 Million Aircraft Parts Sales to Russia Amid Ukraine Invasion

Investigative findings have revealed that three Moldovan firms have facilitated the sale of approximately $15 million worth of spare aircraft parts to Russian airlines between 2022 and 2023, during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to a report by the European Pravda, based on an investigation by Radio Liberty’s Moldovan service, these transactions began a few months after the invasion commenced in February 2022.

The companies implicated in this scheme are Airrock Solutions, Aerostage Services, and Maxjet Service. Airrock Solutions and Aerostage Services, both established shortly before and after the invasion’s start, are linked to Ivan Melnikov, a former executive at Air Moldova. Maxjet Service, on the other hand, has been operational since 2011 and is under the ownership of Sergei Ranga.

These entities reportedly acted as intermediaries in procuring and transporting aircraft components to major Russian carriers, including Pobeda and S7 Engineering, bypassing direct shipment through Moldovan territory. Both Melnikov and Ranga have denied knowledge of their companies’ involvement in shipping these parts directly to Russia, stating the intended delivery destinations were other CIS countries according to their contracts.

This situation highlights Moldova’s nuanced position regarding EU sanctions against Russia, particularly in relation to the aerospace sector. Moldovan authorities, informed of these dealings, have indicated ongoing investigations by “competent authorities” and discussions about aligning more closely with EU sanctions.

The revelation comes amid broader concerns over Moldovan entities’ connections to Russian military corporations, underscoring the intricate challenges of international sanctions enforcement and the geopolitical complexities surrounding the Ukraine conflict.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, news.yahoo.com