A Brussels court sentenced Belgian-Russian national Victor Labin to five years in prison and an €80,000 fine, with part suspended, for leading a network that exported sanctioned goods including rare earths to Russian defense entities via Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and other intermediaries between 2023 and 2025. Two associates received sentences of six years and three years respectively, along with fines. Anadolu Agency additionally reported a link between Labin and an alleged Russian spy network.