Supo says Russia uses third countries to evade sanctions

Russia often relies on countries outside the EU to obtain Western technology despite sanctions, Finland’s Security and Intelligence Service (Supo) says. Yle’s investigative programme MOT reported that two Finnish citizens supplied Russia with tens of millions of euros’ worth of electronics through Serbia and Hong Kong.

The components could be used in Russian missiles, and the case is the largest known in Finland involving exports of components to Russia during the sanctions period, MOT reported. Both men live in Luumäki, in South Karelia.

Supo said it does not comment on individual cases, but that the information in MOT’s investigation follows the general pattern of Russian procurement networks. Such networks use companies and intermediaries across several countries to conceal links to Russia, with supply chains often starting inside the EU before moving through other countries.

One of the men, Finnish citizen Denis Emelianov, had established a company in Hong Kong years before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The company was already supplying components to Russia, but deliveries increased after sanctions were imposed. Emelianov denies breaking the law or helping Russia’s military industry, saying the goods he sent were for civilian use.

Supo says Russian procurement networks remain active in Finland. Russia seeks items including electronic components, measuring equipment, machine tools, optical technology and maritime technology, as well as advanced expertise. The agency says sanctions evasion supports Russia’s armed forces and poses a long-term threat to Finland’s national security.

Supo said Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU, plays a central role in acquiring sanctioned technology, including planning and carrying out sanctions evasion. The agency added that the people and companies involved in procurement networks change over time.