Finnish Customs is investigating an alleged circumvention of EU sanctions: goods worth about €5.9 million may have been exported to Russia in 2022–2023. Finnish broadcaster Yle reported this, citing Customs.
According to investigators, the case involves two companies from eastern Finland. One handled export operations; the other stored the goods. In customs declarations, the exporter named Kazakhstan and Turkey as destinations. The preliminary investigation, however, indicates the goods ended up in Russia.
Customs believes hydraulic pumps, engines and various valves were shipped to Russia. EU sanctions have banned exports of such products to Russia since July 2022. Investigation lead Sanna Kuparinen told the STT news agency that the items can be used for military purposes.
Two suspects — representatives of the companies — are under investigation for an aggravated regulation offence. One of them already faces four other sanctions-related cases at the South Karelia District Court.
The preliminary investigation is nearing completion. The case file is expected to be sent to the Eastern Finland prosecutor’s office by the end of the year. The names of the companies and individuals have not been officially disclosed.
