A recent investigation by Insider and Irpimedia revealed that Beretta maintains majority ownership of Russian distributor Russky Orel. The company works with a network of companies tied to influential arms dealer Mikhail Khubtia to import weapons from Italy, Finland, Germany and other European countries. . The report says more than 835,000 rounds of ammunition and more than 5,900 rifles and pistols have entered Russia through these gray channels since the 2022 invasion began. Russia could significantly strengthen its position in the war against Ukraine if it overcomes sanctions on arms imports.
The investigation has documented that Moscow’s armory displays a wide range of rifles from Sako, Tikka, Blazer and other brands already banned under EU sanctions. The article focuses on the worrying relationship between Beretta’s Benelli subsidiary and the Kalashnikov Concern, including an executive named Eduardo Ioffe, whose ties to President Putin’s allies are concerning. It includes overseeing the possibility of a relationship. According to the report, “He was exhausted from frequent visits to the Italian workshop.”, emphasizing the depth of cooperation.
Meanwhile, competitor Marocchi still lists its Russian partner Italurzillo on its website. Last year, more than 275 Marocchi hunting rifles arrived in Russia through Italgillo, partnering with a company that has worked closely with Marocchi for the past decade to distribute Italian guns despite tightening sanctions.
Russian importers do not really feel a shortage of products, so in September 2023 Orel Armory announced a campaign offering a 20% discount on binoculars and scope Steiners. According to the investigation, these weapons were also used at Russian sports competitions and openly displayed at exhibitions.
“Koltyuga’s partner sales network includes more than 100 firearms and hunting stores across Russia, from Sochi on the Black Sea coast to Yakutsk in the Far East.” This was revealed through an investigation. But somehow, two years after the war began, Russia still has access to firepower that should remain locked in the shadow of EU sanctions.
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