Sanctions breach by Finnish freight company is now under formal investigation by Finnish Customs. The Helsinki-based logistics firm is suspected of exporting restricted goods to Russia during the years 2022 to 2025. Officials estimate the total value of the shipments at around 300000 euros.
Customs agents believe the exported items included industrial-use motors and bearings. Although the goods didn’t go straight to Russia, authorities say they were routed through other countries. The shipments left the EU through Lithuania, Poland, or Bulgaria before entering Belarus, Kazakhstan, or Kyrgyzstan.
One intercepted shipment inside Finland included dual-use goods. These are items that can be used in both civilian industries and military operations. Any export of this type requires official approval. Customs officials said the company tried to ship these items to Russia without the needed licence, which raised major concerns.
Hanna Koskenranta, the lead investigator for the case, confirmed that one recipient of the exported items is now blacklisted under both EU and US sanctions. She also said most of the cargo under review exited the EU through Lithuania or Poland and passed into Belarus on its way to Central Asia.
Before Russia launched its full invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the company was actively trading with Russian businesses. After the war began, the company claimed to stop direct trade with Russia. But Customs found evidence showing that the same trade routes continued through surrounding countries instead. Documents seized in a search of the company’s offices showed it was still acting as a go-between, moving goods from EU-based suppliers to Russian customers.
Some of the exported goods were reportedly bought directly inside the European Union, then sent east through foreign distribution hubs. The items were labeled for Central Asia, but authorities believe that was a front to cover their real destination.
The case is being investigated as an aggravated regulation offence. Finnish Customs says the main suspect is a Soviet-born man who now lives in Finland. He is listed as the company’s sole responsible operator. His name has not been released. The case also involves law enforcement in multiple countries, and authorities are now working together across borders.
Once the investigation ends, the case will be turned over to the Prosecution District of Southern Finland.
