which is suspected of having broken sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The company, based in Gorinchem near the port of Rotterdam, is accused of having continued to deliver goods and technology to Russia despite European Union curbs on Moscow. The case involves the sale of goods "likely to contribute to the military and technological strengthening of Russia", prosecutors allege.

"This is an unprecedented case," chief prosecutor Michiel Zwinkels told Dutch television.  Damen builds military vessels for the Netherlands and other NATO countries, and is considered by the government in The Hague as of "strategic national importance", he added. That has created "further tension and pressure", he said. In a separate case, Damen Shipyards is being prosecuted for bribery, forgery and money laundering for alleged corruption in the sale of ships between 2006 and 2017.

That case also opened on Monday at a court in the northeastern city of Zwolle. Both cases are still at the preliminary hearing stage. "Damen is confident in the outcome of the legal proceedings and will finally have the chance to explain that the public prosecutor's suspicions are unfounded," the company said in a statement on Friday.  The company -- the leading shipbuilder for the Dutch navy -- employs some 12,500 people and owns several shipyards across the world, constructing notably frigates, combat support vessels and maritime patrol ships. (Bssnews)