The federal government has imposed sanctions on Streit Group, an armoured vehicle manufacturer founded and led by Russian Canadian businessman Guerman Goutorov, accusing the company of supplying equipment to Russia.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced the measures Monday, saying Streit Group had provided vehicles to the Russian National Guard, which has been involved in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Anand said the company continues to contribute to Russia’s military capabilities and that the sanctions are intended to disrupt its ability to provide military technology and equipment to Moscow.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress welcomed Ottawa’s decision but questioned why Goutorov himself was not included in the Canadian sanctions. The organization called for greater federal resources to investigate and enforce sanctions and export laws, as well as tougher measures against Russia.
Streit Group did not respond to requests for comment cited in the original report.
Russia’s ambassador to Canada dismissed the sanctions, claiming they would have no practical impact.
Goutorov established Streit Group in Ontario after immigrating to Canada from the former Soviet Union. The company later developed a major manufacturing operation in the United Arab Emirates, while its armoured vehicles have appeared in several conflict zones.
Streit Group has previously faced scrutiny over its international operations. The company has been fined by U.S. authorities and has faced allegations related to sanctions violations from the United Nations.
Canada’s action follows similar measures imposed by the European Union against both Streit Group and Goutorov over allegations involving supplies to Russia.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Streit Group has faced accusations that it continued conducting business linked to Russian military and commercial entities despite international sanctions.
Ukraine has reported capturing a Streit Group armoured vehicle on the battlefield, while Russia’s National Guard has also been observed using Streit Spartan vehicles.
In 2022, months after the invasion began, Streit Group opened a production facility in Uganda, a country whose government has maintained close relations with Moscow.
