Finnish all-terrain vehicle company suspected of serious sanctions violation with Russian leadership

A Finnish all-terrain vehicle manufacturer led by Russian executives is under investigation for a serious sanctions violation, according to a court ruling reported by Finnish public broadcaster Yle. The Helsinki District Court rejected the company’s appeal to lift an asset freeze imposed by customs authorities in January.

The suspected violation occurred on November 27 last year, with the company, 18 Wheels, accused of breaching EU sanctions against Russia. The firm has previously promoted what it claims is the world’s first 18-wheeled electric all-terrain vehicle in international media, including Finland, Germany, the UK, and the US. Yle has not confirmed whether the sanctions breach is linked to this product.

Company records show 18 Wheels was founded in 2022 and is officially based in Vantaa, though its registered address is a residential apartment in Helsinki. Both listed executives are Russian citizens: a man born in the 1970s serving as chairman of the board and a woman born in the 1980s as a board member. When contacted by Yle, the woman directed inquiries to the man, who requested questions be sent via email.

Serious sanctions violations in Finland can carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The offence applies to cases involving dual-use goods—products with both civilian and military applications—or defence materials. The law was updated in May 2023 to include sanctions breaches as a standalone criminal offence, previously prosecuted under general economic crime statutes.

Yle was unable to reach the company’s legal representative for comment.