Severalcompanies in Kazakhstan are playing a significant role in helping Russia circumvent Western sanctions by supplying equipment for the development of electronic warfare (EW) systems, according to The Insider, the Russian independent investigative outlet.

The outlet reported on Nov. 15 that Kazakhstan-based firms, including Askarlab, Dicosta Technologies, Panalem Technologies, and Computer Services Ltd, have been sourcing equipment from Europe, Asia, and the United States, then delivering it to Russia.

From 2023 to 2024, these companies acquired products from international manufacturers, including Germany’s Rohde & Schwarz, France’s Safran Data Systems, the U.S.-based Mini-Circuits, and Ireland’s Farran Technology.

The sourced equipment consisted of advanced components such as radio frequency filters, frequency analyzers, RF adapters, amplifiers, attenuators, frequency extenders, satellite modems, and vector network analyzers.

The Insider cited customs declarations from the Zhetysu customs post in Almaty, Russian records, and communications involving Askarlab’s director. Since 2023, these items have been transported by air, processed through customs, and, in numerous cases, sent to Russia. Askarlab alone reportedly procured high-end radio-technical equipment valued at approximately $2 million between November 2023 and early 2024.

The Insider pointed out that Russia's reliance on alternative supply routes has prompted Western countries to impose secondary sanctions on organizations involved in facilitating such activities. These measures aim to curtail the flow of restricted technology and equipment to Russia amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

WSJ: US chips flow to Russia from China via Central Asian routesRussia is increasing imports of sanctioned dual-use goods like drones or U.S.-made computer chips from China via Central Asian trade routes, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on March 4.The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek