Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Short answer: Former Amazon Web Services employee Charles Forrest alleged in 2024 employment-tribunal proceedings that Amazon enabled Russian facial-recognition company VisionLabs to access Amazon Rekognition, potentially through a Dutch intermediary, in circumstances that could have breached UK Russia sanctions. Amazon denied selling Rekognition services to VisionLabs, and VisionLabs was reported to deny having a contractual relationship with Amazon. Forrest’s employment complaints were ultimately dismissed in October 2025, but the available record does not establish the alleged sale or a sanctions violation as fact.
What the whistleblower alleged
According to reporting on claims made in London employment-tribunal proceedings, Forrest alleged that Amazon entered into an arrangement involving Amazon Rekognition and VisionLabs in 2020. He claimed access was routed through a company in the Netherlands that he characterized as an intermediary or apparent shell company.
Forrest further alleged that the technology became available to Russian state-security or law-enforcement bodies, and that the arrangement continued or had consequences after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the introduction of UK sanctions. He also raised separate allegations about law-enforcement use of facial recognition and Amazon’s internal restrictions on police use.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThose are allegations, not established findings. The public reporting reviewed here does not independently verify the contract, the Dutch company’s identity or role, relevant invoices, technical logs, or the identity of any government users.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐇𝐃 𝟒𝐊 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: Features true 4K UHD resolution to capture every detail around your home. It can even recognize license plates up to 33 ft (10m) away.
- 𝐀𝐈 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Built-in AI instantly detects and automatically tracks people, vehicles, or important events within view, minimizing false alarms and keeping your property secure.
- 𝟑𝟔𝟎° 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐬: Enjoy comprehensive coverage with a wide viewing angle, minimizing blind spots and allowing you to monitor your front porch, yard, or even your driveway.
- 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐧: Protect your home with a powerful, motion-activated strobe light that scares off unwanted visitors and gives you instant notifications about suspicious activity.
- 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬-𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝟐.𝟎 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: Just 2 hours of direct sunlight daily keeps your camera fully charged for continuous, maintenance-free operation in any weather.
Who was Charles Forrest?
Forrest was an AWS employee from approximately 2019 until May 2023, according to the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre’s summary. He brought employment claims that included alleged detriment for protected disclosures, unfair dismissal, disability discrimination, and related complaints.
Amazon disputed his account of the dismissal. The company said he was dismissed for alleged serious misconduct, including refusing to work contracted hours, failing to respond to emails, and failing to attend meetings.
What Amazon Rekognition is—and what “sold” may mean
Rekognition is Amazon’s cloud image- and video-analysis service. Its capabilities have included face detection, facial comparison, object and scene analysis, and related visual-recognition functions.
Recommended Free Tools
That matters because “Amazon sold facial-recognition technology to Russia” can suggest a transfer of source code, hardware, or a complete surveillance system. The reporting supports a narrower description: Forrest alleged that Amazon provided or enabled access to a cloud service. That is different from:
Rank #2
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐇𝐃 𝟒𝐊 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: Features true 4K UHD resolution to capture every detail around your home. It can even recognize license plates up to 33 ft (10m) away.
- 𝐀𝐈 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Built-in AI instantly detects and automatically tracks people, vehicles, or important events within view, minimizing false alarms and keeping your property secure.
- 𝟑𝟔𝟎° 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐬: Enjoy comprehensive coverage with a wide viewing angle, minimizing blind spots and allowing you to monitor your front porch, yard, or even your driveway.
- 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐧: Protect your home with a powerful, motion-activated strobe light that scares off unwanted visitors and gives you instant notifications about suspicious activity.
- 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬-𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝟐.𝟎 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: Just 2 hours of direct sunlight daily keeps your camera fully charged for continuous, maintenance-free operation in any weather.
- licensing source code;
- selling cameras or hardware;
- licensing a complete facial-recognition platform;
- VisionLabs developing and deploying its own products; or
- proof that every VisionLabs system used in Russia incorporated Rekognition.
The connection between Rekognition and Russian deployments was part of Forrest’s allegation and was denied. A Russian company’s use of facial-recognition systems, by itself, does not prove that it used Amazon software.
What is VisionLabs?
VisionLabs is a computer-vision and facial-recognition company associated in the reporting with Russia and telecommunications company MTS. Its reported response was that it had never been involved in a contractual relationship with Amazon.
That denial addresses the alleged Amazon–VisionLabs transaction. It does not, on its own, prove that no technical interoperability, distributor arrangement, or third-party transaction could have existed. Conversely, VisionLabs’ Russian deployments do not prove that it purchased or used Rekognition.
Why UK sanctions were part of the allegation
Forrest’s legal theory depended on several separate questions:
Rank #3
- Magnetic & Screw-free Mounting: Enjoy effortless installation in seconds. The powerful magnetic base snaps onto any metal surface for a rock-solid hold, or can be placed on any flat surface. No drills, no damage, perfect for both indoors and out. NOTE: For smooth operation of your eufyCam C35, please update your eufy App to version 5.2.10_16477001 (iOS) or 5.2.10_17014 (Android) or newer.
- Spotlight-free Color Night Vision: See true colors, even in total darkness. Our advanced sensor technology reveals critical details like faces and license plates without any spotlight, ensuring clear evidence and zero disturbance.
- Smarter Security with HomeBase Mini: The included HomeBase Mini is the brain of your system, unlocking advanced AI features like Facial Recognition and Cross-Camera Tracking for a truly intelligent and connected experience.
- All Features, Zero Monthly Fees: Unlike other brands, your one-time purchase includes everything—no mandatory subscriptions for cloud storage, no extra charges for AI, and no battery replacement costs.
- Flexible Local Storage: Store footage centrally and securely indoors on the HomeBase Mini (expandable up to 1TB) for ultimate peace of mind. The camera itself also supports a separate microSD card slot for direct local recording (up to 256GB, at least 32GB recommended, card not included).
- Did Amazon or AWS actually supply Rekognition?
- Was VisionLabs, a Dutch intermediary, or another entity the relevant counterparty?
- When did the alleged transaction occur, and which restrictions applied at that time?
- Did the service or technology fall within the applicable UK Russia sanctions rules?
- Did the arrangement involve Russian state or security agencies?
- Did any licence, intermediary, territorial, or service-export exception apply?
Those questions cannot be answered simply by showing that facial-recognition technology was used in Russia. UK sanctions law can depend on the precise service, parties, location, timing, and transaction structure. The UK government maintains the applicable Russia sanctions guidance.
The sources reviewed for this article show an allegation and competing denials—not a sanctions-enforcement ruling establishing that Amazon violated UK law.
Amazon’s response
Amazon said the allegations lacked merit. It stated that its available evidence and billing records did not show that AWS had sold Amazon Rekognition services to VisionLabs.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Amazon also disputed Forrest’s unfair-dismissal account, saying the employment ended because of alleged serious misconduct. On the separate police-use allegations, Amazon reportedly argued that its self-imposed moratorium was not itself a legal obligation and said it had not knowingly provided facial-recognition technology to police agencies.
Rank #4
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐇𝐃 𝟒𝐊 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: Features true 4K UHD resolution to capture every detail around your home. It can even recognize license plates up to 33 ft (10m) away.
- 𝐀𝐈 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Built-in AI instantly detects and automatically tracks people, vehicles, or important events within view, minimizing false alarms and keeping your property secure.
- 𝟑𝟔𝟎° 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐬: Enjoy comprehensive coverage with a wide viewing angle, minimizing blind spots and allowing you to monitor your front porch, yard, or even your driveway.
- 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐧: Protect your home with a powerful, motion-activated strobe light that scares off unwanted visitors and gives you instant notifications about suspicious activity.
- 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬-𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝟐.𝟎 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: Just 2 hours of direct sunlight daily keeps your camera fully charged for continuous, maintenance-free operation in any weather.
Amazon’s 2024 proxy statement says AWS adopted a global moratorium on police use of Rekognition in June 2020. That policy context is relevant, but it does not by itself resolve the separate allegation concerning Russia or determine whether any sanctions rule was breached.
What happened in court?
| Date | Event | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Forrest filed employment claims. | The dispute was an employment case, not a government sanctions prosecution. |
| Before the appeal | An Employment Tribunal struck out the claims for alleged noncompliance with a case-management order. | The claims were ended procedurally at that stage. |
| June 10, 2025 | The Employment Appeal Tribunal allowed Forrest’s appeal. | The EAT held that the tribunal should not have moved directly from noncompliance to strike-out without properly considering whether a fair trial remained possible and without first using an “unless order” mechanism. This was a procedural ruling, not a finding that the Russia allegations were true. |
| June 2–July 3 and July 21–August 4, 2025 | A later full hearing took place, followed by deliberations in September. | The employment claims were considered in the later proceedings. |
| October 9, 2025 | The reserved liability judgment was sent to the parties. | The tribunal’s written reasons state that all of Forrest’s complaints were dismissed. |
The 2025 EAT judgment concerned the earlier procedural strike-out. The later Employment Tribunal written reasons confirm the dismissal of the complaints.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the judgments do—and do not—establish
The final employment judgment means Forrest did not succeed in the employment complaints covered by that case. It does not automatically establish that:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- the alleged Amazon–VisionLabs transaction never occurred;
- no Russian entity ever used Rekognition;
- all of the technology allegations were tested in a separate sanctions proceeding; or
- a UK regulator or criminal court cleared Amazon on sanctions grounds.
Likewise, the EAT decision should not be presented as a merits victory for Forrest. It restored the claims after finding that the earlier strike-out process was defective; it did not validate the underlying Russia allegation.
Best Value
- 𝟑𝟔𝟎° 𝐀𝐈 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐭: Deliver 360° property coverage and eliminate blind spots with a single camera. Auto-tracking keeps subjects perfectly centered, providing ultimate home protection. NOTE: For smooth operation of your eufyCam C37, please update your eufy App to version 6.0.10 or newer.
- 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐬: Protect your home without cloud subscriptions or hidden costs. Save up to $300 over three years and experience complete security without falling into the subscription trap.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢: Connect up to 10 cameras in one app to enable human/vehicle/pet/facial recognition, cross-camera tracking, and expandable local storage — a smarter security system, made simple.
- 𝟐𝐊 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Capture crystal-clear details with 2K resolution, delivering 77% more pixels than standard 1080p. The built-in spotlight illuminates faces, license plates, and clothing details in vivid color, even in total darkness.
- 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Position each 3W solar panel for optimal sunlight while pointing the cameras exactly where you need them. Never compromise between viewing angle and power. Enjoy continuous charging with zero maintenance, rain or shine.
Why the allegation matters beyond this case
The dispute illustrates why cloud services create difficult compliance questions. A provider may deliver general-purpose software remotely rather than ship a physical product or transfer source code. A customer may access that service directly, through a distributor, or as part of another company’s platform. Each structure can affect sanctions analysis, contractual controls, audit trails, and the ability to identify downstream users.
It also highlights the governance risks of biometric technology. Facial recognition can affect privacy, civil liberties, and access to public services, while corporate policies—such as a voluntary police-use moratorium—may be narrower than statutory prohibitions and may not answer export-control questions.
Finally, an employment tribunal is not the same as a regulator or criminal court investigating sanctions. Employment litigation can examine disclosures, dismissal decisions, workplace treatment, and related evidence, but its judgment should not be converted into a blanket finding about every underlying technology or international transaction.
How to state the story accurately
The most defensible summary is: a former AWS employee alleged in 2024 that Amazon had enabled a Russian facial-recognition company to access Rekognition in possible violation of UK sanctions. Amazon denied the alleged sale, VisionLabs was reported to deny a contractual relationship with Amazon, and Forrest’s related employment complaints were dismissed in October 2025. The available record does not establish the alleged sale or a sanctions violation as fact.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
