French firm PGA skirts sanctions to service Russian VIP jets, report reveals

The French company PGA, owned by the American conglomerate Astronics, despite sanctions, provides services for aircraft owned by Russian VIPs - including Vladimir Putin, Sergei Shoigu - as well as the Federal Security Service, according to a report from the French newspaper "Le Parisien", citing a former senior manager of the company.

In Chateauroux, central France, PGA specializes in fitting and integrating electronic systems in commercial and military aircraft.

The "Le Parisien" source stated that since the onset of the Ukraine invasion in 2022, PGA has made between £3.4 million and £4.3 million servicing seven aircraft in Russia, with contracts valued between £255,000 and £1.3 million. The aircraft serviced includes those used by Vladimir Putin, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and two planes belonging to the FSB.

The source described how PGA circumvents sanctions against Russia by routing equipment through Armenia and facilitating payments through banks in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The goods destined for Russia were reportedly covertly shipped in containers officially listed as carrying other items.

The source disclosed to "Le Parisien" that in December 2023, Russian authorities ordered electronic equipment worth £850,000 for Putin's aircraft, with delivery scheduled by the end of the year, information he obtained from industry connections.

The specifics of the systems PGA provides to the Russians remain vague, though it's known that the company has been active in Russia since 2016.

The informant suggested that PGA draws scrutiny from French regulators, leading to a notable departure of managerial talent. This comes as the company's Russian dealings become increasingly conspicuous.

"Le Parisien" stated that PGA did not reply to inquiries regarding its relationship with Russia.