MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Sidestepping of sanctions against Russia by means of a financial institution in Kyrgyzstan – E-002449/2025

Question for written answer  E-002449/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Denis Nesci (ECR)

A number of European media outlets have reported that the financial institution Capital Bank of Central Asia has facilitated Russia’s circumvention of EU sanctions. The bank allegedly made it possible to make payments for weapons and dual-use goods to Chinese suppliers, undermining the restrictive measures imposed by the EU in response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine and obstructing peace efforts.

In the light of European commitments to ensuring that sanctions are applied properly and preventing their circumvention:

• 1.What specific steps is the Commission taking to identify and address sanctions circumvention cases involving financial institutions such as the Capital Bank of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan and other third countries, in particular with regard to arms and dual-use goods?
• 2.What cooperation mechanisms or frameworks have been established with Kyrgyzstan and other third countries and their financial authorities to prevent the use of their banking systems for sanctions circumvention, in particular in relation to payments to suppliers in countries such as China?
• 3.Is the Commission planning any improvements to existing anti-circumvention measures, such as broadening targeted sanctions, stepping up due diligence requirements or imposing restrictions on the Capital Bank of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan and other entities of that kind in third countries identified as high-risk for the facilitation of those activities?

Submitted: 18.6.2025