Ottawa has imposed sanctions on Streit Group, an armoured vehicle manufacturer operated by Canadian-Russian businessman Guerman Goutorov, citing the company’s alleged role in supplying vehicles to Russia’s National Guard.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced the sanctions on Monday under Canada’s Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations, saying the move is aimed at increasing pressure on businesses supporting Russia’s military activities.
According to the federal government, Streit Group has supplied armoured vehicles to the Russian National Guard, a force involved in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Ottawa says the company continues to contribute to Russia’s military-industrial capabilities despite international sanctions and restrictions.
The government’s decision places Streit Group under Canada’s Russia sanctions regime, which can restrict dealings with designated entities and impose prohibitions on property and financial transactions connected to them.
The company is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates and operates internationally in the armoured vehicle and security manufacturing sector. Its products include protected vehicles designed for military, security and other high-risk environments.
Canada’s latest action comes as Ottawa continues to expand sanctions targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex and organizations accused of supporting the country’s war effort in Ukraine. The federal government has repeatedly said that sanctions are intended to increase the economic costs of Russia’s actions and limit access to goods, technology and services that can support its military capabilities.
The new sanctions add to Canada’s broader efforts to work with international partners in restricting companies and individuals considered to be contributing to Russia’s military capacity.