Finland's customs authority has concluded its investigation into a large-scale scheme to circumvent EU sanctions against Russia. According to the investigation, between 2022 and 2023 two Finnish companies illegally supplied Russia with industrial equipment worth approximately 5.9 million euros. The case file is expected to be handed over to the Eastern Finland District Prosecutor's Office by the end of 2026 for the filing of formal charges.

What Was Supplied and Where It Was Declared

The core of the illegal export consisted of high-precision hydraulic pumps, electric motors, and valves. Direct supplies of this equipment to Russia have been prohibited under EU regulations since July 2022 due to its potential use in the military and heavy industry. The exporting company officially declared to customs authorities that it was shipping the consignments to customers in Kazakhstan and Turkey, however, upon reviewing the accompanying documentation and carrying out operational measures, law enforcement officers established that the actual final destination of all the cargo was Russian territory.

The Role of the Second Company and the Suspects

A second Finnish company was involved in carrying out the scheme, providing interim storage, re-documentation, and logistical support for the sanctioned goods. Currently, Finnish customs suspects two individuals of committing a crime under aggravated circumstances. One of the key suspects is already a defendant in four other criminal cases related to illegal export and violations of European sanctions, which are being heard by the South Karelia District Court.

Context: Tightened Controls in the EU

Finland's authorities emphasize that the country will continue to firmly crack down on any attempts to use third countries to bypass trade restrictions. At the EU level, there is already discussion of transferring cases involving the circumvention of sanctions against Russia to a unified European Prosecutor's Office, which should increase pressure on companies and individuals helping Russia evade the restrictions. It is worth recalling that on July 23 the EU Council adopted the 21st package of sanctions against Russia — the largest in four years: it covered 218 individuals and organizations and hit Russia's banks, crypto platforms, "shadow fleet," and oil sector.