Finnish customs investigate electronics exports to Russia involving company in Eastern Finland

Finnish customs authorities are investigating a criminal case involving a company in Eastern Finland suspected of repeatedly exporting electronics subject to sanctions to Russia. The investigation is being conducted as a serious regulatory offense.

“Over one hundred inspections have been carried out on exports made by the suspected company. These exports have included electronics under Russian sanctions, such as drones, processors, smartphones, computers, and sonar equipment, with a total export value of approximately 700,000 euros,” stated lead investigator Sanna Kuparinen in a press release.

The goods arrived in Finland as part of freight shipments, with attempts made to export them to Russia via a temporary warehouse in Virolahde, located near the Vaalimaa border crossing. The value of the sanctioned items has reached up to 700,000 euros. According to preliminary investigations, the suspected company has supplied goods between March and December 2022. They attempted to transport the items overland through the Vaalimaa border.

The customs investigation revealed that the goods were primarily purchased from U.S. online stores, with the recipient in Russia being Russian Post. Seven individuals have been interviewed as suspects, working in management and logistics roles at the international forwarding company involved. The customs office has also collaborated with the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this matter.

The EU has imposed strict economic sanctions on Russia since the onset of the war in Ukraine. Customs has launched over 800 regulatory investigations related to breaches of these sanctions. “While most Finnish companies operate exemplary, unfortunate exceptions exist based on cases investigated by customs,” emphasized regulatory supervisor Hannu Sinkkonen.