Decathlon under criticism for delivering to Russian stores despite sanctions | outside

In October, Decathlon sold 60 local Russian outlets to Desport. This step was described as the end of the presence in Russia, “but this was not the case,” claim researchers from the research agency Disclose.

Their investigation revealed that Decathlon had continued to supply Desport with “top secret” products in recent weeks, such as Kalenji running products, Wedze ski jackets and Quechua pants and boots, for a total amount of at least €11 million.

The products were flown in November from Bangladesh, where they are produced, via Dubai, where Wajah had purchased the products. This is evidenced by internal documents and certificates that the Disclose Research Agency was able to review.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 led to a range of sanctions and the exodus of foreign companies.

The Mulliez Group, which owns Decathlon, is one of the few French companies that has retained its activities in Russia. Their French hypermarket chain Auchan was retained, with more than 10 percent of sales generated in Russia.

Decathlon management, which does not want to comment on the investigation at this time, said it is “doing everything in its power to prevent the resale of its products in or to Russia.”

look. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov: The many sanctions have put an end to cooperation