Who is Jörg Dornau and what happened on 4 February?

Jörg Dornau is a Saxon AfD lawmaker who was detained in the state parliament while prosecutors executed searches at his home, business, and vehicles. The probe concerns alleged evasion of EU sanctions on Belarus via a Kazakhstan route. He is under investigation and remains presumed innocent.

What are EU sanctions Belarus rules relevant to this case?

EU sanctions on Belarus restrict exports of dual-use goods and items that could support defense, surveillance, or industrial capacity. Exporters must verify end users, uses, and transit. Circumvention is prohibited, including indirect routing through third countries when diversion to Belarus is likely or suspected.

How might this affect German exporters and investors?

Expect tighter due diligence, longer shipment timelines, and higher documentation demands, especially for machinery and agri-equipment. Banks and insurers may raise compliance checks. Investors should watch company updates on export controls, distributor oversight, and any guidance changes that could alter classification or licensing needs.

What immediate steps can SMEs in Germany take?

Strengthen KYC on buyers and consignees in Central Asia, require detailed end-use statements, and verify serial numbers and model codes. Flag routing shifts, price anomalies, and freight forwarder changes. Escalate unclear cases to compliance or consult BAFA. Document decisions to show good-faith efforts to prevent diversion.

Law and Government

Germany February 04: AfD’s Jörg Dornau Detained in Sanctions Raid

ByDanny Kontos February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Jörg Dornau was detained in the Saxony state parliament on 4 February as prosecutors probe suspected evasion of EU sanctions on Belarus using a Kazakhstan route. Police reportedly searched his home, business, and vehicles. Authorities say the case is at an early stage. For investors and exporters in Germany, the event signals stricter screening of re-export channels. We explain why enforcement is rising, where risk concentrates for machinery and agri-equipment, and which controls can reduce legal and reputational exposure.