Day: May 20, 2025
Georgian authorities have extradited several individuals wanted in France for trafficking-related crimes committed by a transnational criminal group, the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia announced on May 20.
The suspects were arrested on Georgian territory by the Ministry of Internal Affairs as a result of joint efforts between Georgian and French law enforcement, the Prosecutor’s Office said. France had sought the individuals since 2024 through Interpol Red Notices.
According to the official press release, the investigation conducted by the French side found that “within the framework of a transnational organized group operating under the cover of “Tantra Yoga,” whose purpose was human trafficking for sexual exploitation, the leaders of one of the divisions, participated in the transfer and sexual exploitation of at least seven people to the Republic of France.”
The statement said that courts at all levels approved the extradition requests, and the Justice Minister of Georgia finalized the extradition decision on April 16, 2025.
“The wanted persons were handed over to representatives of the competent authorities of the Republic of France by employees of the Special Penitentiary Service,” the Prosecutor’s Office noted.
Also Read:
- 20/07/2022 – Georgia in U.S. Human Trafficking Report 2022
- 02/07/2021 – Georgia in U.S. Human Trafficking Report 2021
Is Azerbaijan helping Russia evade sanctions?
On May 19, Polish customs prevented the shipment of goods to Russia that are banned under sanctions. The sender was a Spanish company, and the recipient an Azerbaijani firm.
The names of the companies were not disclosed.
At the Koroszczyn border checkpoint, Poland’s National Revenue Administration (KAS) discovered about five tons of tires. It turned out they were intended for Boeing aircraft, despite being declared as “passenger car and bus tires.”
Authorities have launched a criminal case on suspicion of customs fraud.
Recently, the UK imposed sanctions on the Azerbaijani tanker Zangezur, two companies, and five businessmen for transporting Russian oil.
Since then, Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry, SOCAR, and the Caspian Shipping Company have remained silent. State agency AZƏRTAC has also made no statements. No response has been posted on the MFA’s pages in the week since the sanctions.
Attempt to violate the European Union sanctions regime
Since 2022, the European Union has banned the export of products that could support Russia’s aviation industry as part of its sanctions regime. This includes aircraft parts and technical assistance. Relevant European Commission regulations explicitly outline these restrictions.
Polish customs authorities stated that aircraft tires fall under these sanctions and that transporting them to Russia is prohibited. Moving such goods along this route is considered a violation of EU law.
Credible sources, including Reuters, The Moscow Times, and Poland’s National Revenue Administration, confirmed the incident and described it as an attempt to circumvent the EU sanctions regime.
Other outlets, such as Kyiv Post and Aerotime Aero, highlighted that Russia continues to seek ways around sanctions, attempting to obtain critical technologies via third countries.
The involvement of Spanish and Azerbaijani companies in this case has raised concerns about sanctions compliance.
Experts argue that withholding the names of the companies involved limits public oversight and delays potential legal accountability.
Polish authorities are investigating the intended use of the shipment and whether sanctions were breached.
Analysts say such incidents test not just individual countries but the international community’s broader commitment to enforcing sanctions.
Azerbaijan remains silent
The incident can be seen as an example of Poland’s efforts to enforce sanctions. At the same time, Azerbaijan’s mention in the shipment route raises questions about the country’s stance on sanctions and its possible role as a participant in their circumvention.
Some analysts interpret this silence as an attempt by Baku to “cool tensions” — neither protesting nor responding.
Others see it as a “strategy of trivialization,” aiming to portray the sanctions as insignificant.
In both cases, the result is a lack of transparent information for both domestic and international audiences.
News in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is moving to modernize the nutritional standards applied in state-run institutions, including medical facilities, schools, and social care institutions. A new legislative initiative aims to align these standards with the country’s minimum consumption basket for food products, Azernews reports.