According to an investigation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Kyrgyz and Kazakh companies have been exporting sanctioned dual-use technology to Russian suppliers linked to the Kremlin's war machine.

The United States and the European Union have tightened controls on technology exports to Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.

However, Moscow has utilized a supply network in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, countries not bound by these sanctions, to keep Western technology flowing into Russia.

RFE/RL notes that Russian imports of dual-use goods from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have significantly increased since the start of the war in Ukraine.

These imports include electronics produced by Western technology giants, such as Texas Instruments and Analog Devices.

The issue has raised concerns about potential secondary sanctions targeting the two Central Asian countries.

RFE/RL's investigation found that Russian firms receiving Kazakh and Kyrgyz exports of dual-use technology have previously supplied electronics to the Russian defence industry.

Established Russian electronics suppliers have used Kazakh affiliates to export dual-use electronics to themselves.

Specific companies, like ITC, have supplied technology to multiple Russian defence-industry entities sanctioned by the United States.

According to RFE/RL, multiple businesspeople involved in reexports confirm the circumvention of export controls on Western dual-use technology. 

Goods are often dropped off in Russia and collected by the end user without going through Central Asia, even though on paper, the shipments go through countries like Kazakhstan.

The delivery process involves routes through Lithuania and Belarus, with Kazakh paperwork used to create the appearance of compliance.

RFE/RL points out that it is challenging to prevent all dual-use Western technology from reaching the Russian military.

Export controls, however, have made supply chains longer, riskier, and less certain, impacting the Kremlin's military capabilities.

Moreover, companies and individuals involved in the unauthorized movement of dual-use goods are at risk of being targeted with sanctions in the future.