Chemical Weapons

The danger of German ingenuity is greater than ever.

German businesses may have exported toxic chemicals to aid Russia’s chemical weapons program. The exported chemicals could be used as precursors for the production of chemical and biological warfare agents, such as mustard gas.

The public prosecutor’s office confirmed to NGR, WDR and Süddeutsche Zeitung that searches had been carried out in seven German companies. At the center of the investigation is Riol Chemie GmbH. Between November 2019 and March 2021, around 30 deliveries were allegedly organized by company officials. Despite their “very small quantities,” they can be used to produce chemical and biological warfare agents, Süddeutsche Zeitung noted. The recipient is said to be Khimmed, a Russian wholesaler of chemicals and laboratory equipment based in Moscow. According to the journalism network OCCRP, Khimmed has partnered with the Russian military and the Russian domestic intelligence agency FSB.

Read more at “Germany’s Secret Chemical Weapons Program”