Burgenland drone sellers face suspicious bulk orders

Demand for civilian drones has risen since Russia launched its war against Ukraine, and sellers in Austria’s Burgenland region are receiving suspicious bulk-order requests, ORF reports.

Philipp Knopf, who sells drones to businesses in construction and agriculture, says orders are usually limited to 15 units. Since the war began, however, he has received requests for quantities ranging from hundreds to as many as 50,000. Some offer cash payment and immediate collection, with no need for a discount. Knopf says he has rejected all such requests.

Drones can be used for both civilian and military purposes, making them “dual-use” goods, according to Austria’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. A permit is generally not required for deliveries within EU member states, but is required for orders from outside the EU when the goods are subject to export controls. The ministry says each business is responsible for complying with the rules.

State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried of the Social Democratic Party said the Directorate for State Protection and Intelligence investigates when export controls indicate that a criminal offence may have occurred.

Some people making inquiries claim to represent company purchasing departments. In one case, an energy company in Germany told ORF that an order for 400 drones in its name was fraudulent.

Knopf said suspicious approaches have also happened in person. He recalled that people once arrived at a colleague’s office and said they would take the drones available, without asking. He said sellers in such situations must also consider their personal safety.