In previous reports, we highlighted how French tire manufacturer Michelin has been using its Turkish distributor, TATKO T.A.S., along with its Kazakhstani subsidiary “KAZ T-REMA International,” to continue supplying tires to Russia, bypassing European Union sanctions.
Our journalistic investigation several strategies Michelin employs to circumvent these restrictions. Together with TATKO T.A.S. (also known as TATKO LASTIK SANAYI VE TICARET A.S.) and an associated company, “DTO TYRE FZCO,” Michelin has managed to maintain its business ties in Russia despite sanctions.
One recent method involves TATKO T.A.S. purchasing Michelin tires and then reselling them to DTO TYRE FZCO, which subsequently ships the products to Russia and Kazakhstan, often through Latvia. The Latvian company “ESTMA” handles the transportation of Michelin tires on behalf of DTO TYRE FZCO. These tires are delivered to various buyers in Russia and to KAZ T-REMA International in Kazakhstan for further export back into Russia, thus enabling a steady supply of Michelin products to the sanctioned country.
Despite our inquiries to both Michelin and TATKO T.A.S., neither company has responded to requests for comment.
A significant question emerges: how can a major European corporation like Michelin, with the assistance of its Turkish dealer TATKO T.A.S., continue to supply its products to Russia despite sanctions? We believe part of the answer lies in the connection between Michelin’s current Vice President, Manuel Montana, and TATKO T.A.S. CEO, Vedat Ozcelik. Montana, who headed Michelin’s Turkish office from August 2016 to February 2019, is suspected of maintaining close ties with Ozcelik.
Further evidence of their relationship comes from the fact that Montana allegedly recommends large buyers procure their tires exclusively through TATKO T.A.S., strengthening the link between the two companies and suggesting coordinated efforts to sidestep sanctions.
