German farmer prosecuted over gift from Russia

The man is accused of violating sanctions for getting a package worth less than $32

A farmer is facing criminal prosecution in Germany over receiving a small Easter gift from his Russian friend. The man is now accused of violating sanctions and can face up to five years behind bars.

A public prosecutor’s office in the northeastern German state of Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania confirmed on Friday that a criminal case had indeed been opened against a local man on suspicion of violating the restrictions.

The case dates back several months, to when a German customs office intercepted a small package which was sent to the farmer from Russia. According to the broadcaster NDR, the package contained a piece of soap, a wooden figurine, and a CD – worth less than €27 ($32) in total. All of the items were on the sanctions list, the report said, adding that the customs office had confiscated the package and a probe was opened into it.

The farmer, who has been identified as Rudolf Denissen by NDR, could face between three months and five years of imprisonment if found guilty. The prosecutor’s office also requested an official written statement from him, as well as “complete personal details and information on net monthly income.”

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“I'm not a criminal, that's ridiculous,” Denissen told NDR, commenting on the developments. According to the farmer, the package was an Easter gift from his long-time friend from Siberia. The man also said he expects the proceedings to be discontinued and the authorities to apologize to him. “I want to get my gift now, it was meant for me,” he said.

German authorities have been known for their rigorous observance of the sanctions. Back in 2023, its customs officials warned that they could take away the personal belongings of Russians who were subject to the measures, including even clothing and toiletries.

They have seized cars with Russian license plates, which travelers brought across the German border.

In December 2023, the German authorities specifically warned that they could confiscate gifts from Russia as well, since gift parcels are regulated by the same sanctions legislation as any imports.