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BMW Admits to Breaching Sanctions with Sales to Russia

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BMW has acknowledged that more than 100 of its luxury vehicles were sold to Russian customers, violating international sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The German automaker attributed the sales to a group of rogue employees at its Hanover branch, who have since been dismissed.

In early 2022, BMW, alongside other major German manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Porsche, and Mercedes, ceased direct exports to Russia in compliance with Western sanctions. However, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring sanctions are fully enforced, as Western goods continue to reach the Russian market through indirect routes, often referred to as “back door” channels.

Despite a dramatic decline in trade between Germany and Russia since the imposition of sanctions, there has been a noticeable surge in exports to former Soviet republics, including Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Georgia—countries not subject to the same restrictions. According to the Institute for International Finance, German car exports to Kyrgyzstan alone have skyrocketed by 5,500%, with significant increases also reported for Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Georgia. This has raised concerns that some shipments may be misreported, with goods being rerouted to Russia under false pretenses, a phenomenon referred to as “phantom destination” shipments.

A BMW spokesperson confirmed the company had halted all pending deliveries following the discovery of the irregularities through its internal controls. The spokesman emphasized that while the company remains committed to adhering to sanctions, certain employees had intentionally facilitated unauthorized sales. “The BMW Group has a range of measures in place to prevent such imports, but these employees knowingly violated our policies,” the spokesperson said.

The issue underscores the ongoing difficulty in enforcing sanctions, as companies and individuals find ways to bypass restrictions. Despite the significant reduction in direct trade between Germany and Russia, the continued flow of goods through third-party countries poses a challenge to the effectiveness of the sanctions regime.

BMW has taken immediate action to address the breach, dismissing the responsible employees and halting further deliveries of vehicles ordered under similar circumstances. The company reiterated its commitment to complying with all applicable sanctions and preventing any future unauthorized sales.

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Amazon MGM Takes Creative Reins of James Bond Franchise Amid Casting Buzz

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In a landmark shift for the James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM has partnered with long-time producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to oversee the future of 007. While all three entities retain co-ownership of the Bond intellectual property, Amazon MGM will now lead creative decisions, marking a significant departure from its previously limited role.

The move follows Amazon’s $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM in 2021, which granted it partial ownership but little say in the franchise’s artistic direction. With Daniel Craig’s departure after 2021’s No Time to Die, speculation about the next James Bond has intensified. Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder and executive chairman, fueled the debate by asking his followers on social media platform X, “Who’d you pick as the next Bond?” The overwhelming response highlighted British actor Henry Cavill as a fan favorite. Known for roles in Superman, The Witcher, and Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Cavill previously auditioned for the role in 2006’s Casino Royale but lost to Daniel Craig. Director Martin Campbell praised Cavill’s audition but deemed him too young at the time. Now in his early forties, Cavill’s age could be a factor if long-term commitments are considered.

Daniel Craig acknowledged Wilson and Broccoli’s contributions, telling Variety, “My respect, admiration, and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished.” With Wilson stepping back and Broccoli expected to reduce her involvement, Amazon MGM gains greater creative control, raising questions about the franchise’s future direction.

Fan speculation continues to swirl around Cavill, alongside other contenders like Taron Egerton, Tom Hardy, and Idris Elba. While Amazon MGM has yet to announce a timeline or reveal casting decisions, industry watchers anticipate a new era that may extend beyond traditional films, potentially including spin-offs, series, and streaming exclusives. As the studio reshapes Bond’s future, audiences worldwide eagerly await the next chapter in the iconic spy saga.

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Global Hiring Slump Marks Longest Downturn in Decades, Says Hays CEO

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The global job market is experiencing its longest downturn in over 20 years, according to Dirk Hahn, CEO of Hays, Britain’s largest listed recruitment firm. Hahn attributes the slump to ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, which is deterring both employers and job seekers from making moves.

Hays, which employs nearly 7,000 consultants worldwide, reported weaker demand for temporary workers in early 2025, while demand for permanent roles—particularly in Europe—remains sluggish following a pre-Christmas dip. Countries such as France, the UK, Ireland, and Germany, Hays’s largest market, are feeling the pressure most acutely.

In the six months leading up to December, Hays reported a 15% drop in group net fees, falling to £496 million from £583.3 million the previous year. Pre-tax profits fell sharply by 67% to £9.1 million, compared to £27.6 million during the same period the prior year. Hays’s share price, already down 25% over the past year, dipped a further 1.8% on Thursday, closing at 71¾p and placing the company’s market value just below £1.2 billion. Despite declining profits, the company will maintain its interim dividend at 0.95p per share.

While the broader UK labor market has shown resilience with limited mass layoffs, businesses remain cautious about expanding their workforce. “Most companies have enough work to retain their current staff, but they’re not looking to increase headcount,” said James Hilton, Hays’s chief financial officer. “Many employees who received pay increases in recent years are not seeking new roles, creating a stalemate. However, over time, people will seek promotions or fresh challenges.”

Recruiters had anticipated a market recovery earlier this year, but Hahn now warns that the rebound may not materialize until 2026. In the meantime, Hays is focusing on its technology recruitment division—its most profitable segment—as it navigates the prolonged global hiring slowdown.

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UK Government Reports Lower-Than-Expected Budget Surplus in January

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The UK government reported a budget surplus of £15.4 billion in January, falling short of economists’ forecasts of £21 billion and the £19 billion predicted by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Despite January typically seeing a boost from self-assessment tax payments, the lower-than-expected figure has increased total borrowing for the financial year to £118.2 billion—over £11 billion more than the previous year.

The government’s debt-to-GDP ratio now stands at 95.3 per cent, a level last observed in the 1960s. With the OBR set to release updated forecasts on March 26, there are concerns that the government may struggle to meet its goal of reducing the debt ratio by 2029. This could lead to potential spending cuts or tax hikes in the autumn budget.

Reduced debt-servicing costs helped boost January’s surplus, dropping from £9 billion in December to £6.5 billion. However, this was partially offset by a £6 billion one-off expense related to the government’s repurchase of military housing from private firm Annington.

Darren Jones, chief secretary to the Treasury, emphasized the government’s commitment to “economic stability and meeting our non-negotiable fiscal rules.” He also noted that a comprehensive spending review—the first of its kind in 17 years—is underway to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and aligned with national priorities.

 

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