South Korean customs agency: Nearly 4,000 vehicles shipped from South Korea to Russia over the past 3 years despite sanctions
Authorities in South Korea have uncovered the illegal export of nearly 4,000 vehicles to Russia over the past three years, in breach of international automotive sanctions.
According to the Korea Customs Service (KCS), a total of 3,705 cars — many of them high-end or luxury models — were shipped to Russia between 2023 and 2025 despite export controls introduced following the war in Ukraine.
The vehicles, valued at about $121.2 million, were often falsely declared as being bound for neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan before ultimately reaching Russia.
South Korea has prohibited the export of vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000cc or more, as well as luxury cars priced above $50,000, to both Russia and Belarus.
These restrictions align with sanctions adopted by major economies including the European Union and the United States.
Lee Myeong-gu, a senior official at the KCS, said authorities will intensify efforts to investigate and prevent violations of export controls.
He added that the agency has strengthened enforcement measures through a dedicated trade security investigation unit established in April last year, aimed at cracking down on illegal exports and reinforcing the country’s credibility in global trade.
