Kazakh Citizen Identified as Key Supplier of Components for Russian Drones

An independent investigation by the investigative portal The Insider has identified a Kazakh citizen as the primary supplier of critical components for the manufacturing of tens of thousands of Russian drones. The report details how this individual has allegedly facilitated Russia's drone production capabilities amidst international sanctions.

According to The Insider, nearly all fiber optics imported by Russia last year originated from two Chinese companies, Foshan Beyond Import and Export, and Hubei Guanqun Import and Export. Over 80% of these imports were reportedly purchased by two entities: Incab, a company openly collaborating with the Russian military industry, and an individual entrepreneur named Ermek Suyundúkov.

Suyundúkov, who holds both Russian and Kazakh citizenship and resides in Russia's Chelyabinsk region, is central to the alleged supply chain. Between January and March of last year, he is reported to have imported 120 tons of fiber optics. The Insider estimates this quantity to be sufficient for assembling tens of thousands of drones, given that a coil of fiber for a drone weighs approximately two kilograms.

In the same period, Suyundúkov also imported 140,000 lithium-ion batteries valued at $3.5 million and 50,000 electric motors of 1 kilowatt, both essential components for drone manufacturers. Additionally, he acquired 65,000 fiber optic communication devices, 450 kilograms of electronic circuit boards for cameras, 15,000 optical lenses, and 160 kilograms of propellers.

This investigation comes as Russia continues its military actions in Ukraine, with reports of Russia launching over 600 drones against Ukraine on a recent Monday. Despite Beijing's repeated assertions of not providing military aid to Moscow, Kyiv has accused China of supplying Russia with dual-use chemicals, machinery, and other goods. The report underscores how Russia utilizes third countries to bypass international sanctions, with some Western companies allegedly involved in these evasion schemes, thereby continuing to supply Russia's war machine.