German trader Christopher Eppinger, 31, has reportedly made over $250 million in profits since 2022 by reselling Russian oil and refined products through his company CE Energy. Over three years, he handled about 3.3 million tons of oil to buyers in countries including Brazil, China, Spain, and the UAE, taking advantage of market disruptions following global sanctions on Russian exports.
Eppinger started his career with just $1 million in seed capital while working for a Hamburg energy firm and later built his business almost entirely from his phone, conducting multimillion-dollar deals remotely. His unconventional setup – using only a smartphone and a few employees helped him move quickly in a volatile market.
The young trader’s success highlights the vast profits available to independent intermediaries navigating the post-sanctions oil trade. His company continues to expand into new regions as it reduces reliance on Russian-origin supplies.
