Finnish security service warns of Russian networks evading sanctions through Finland

Russian procurement networks operating in Finland are systematically circumventing international sanctions to supply Moscow’s military industry, the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) stated Saturday.

Teemu Liikkanen, head of Supo’s counterintelligence, told national news agency STT that these networks deliberately obscure their ties to the Russian state while acquiring restricted technology. Despite efforts to conceal their operations, he said, the networks ultimately serve Russia’s defense sector through layers of intermediaries.

The networks predate Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine but have grown more active as sanctions tightened, making it harder for Moscow to obtain critical components. Liikkanen identified optics, maritime technology, quantum expertise, and spare parts—such as circuit boards and electronic components—as key areas of Russian interest. He added that Russia also seeks manufacturing equipment to produce such technology domestically.