Finnish Customs recently announced that it completed its preliminary investigation into an aggravated regulation offence involving an unnamed Finnish company suspected of exporting 135 trucks and 29 trailers to Russia during 2022–2023, in violation of EU sanctions. Customs reported on May 20, 2026, that the company falsely declared that the vehicles were being exported to Kazakhstan or Türkiye via Russia, after investigators confirmed that they were customs cleared into Russia by a Russian importing and reselling company. The total value of the illicitly exported goods is approximately €17.5 million ($20.3 million). Customs reported that investigators have requested, for the first time in a sanctions-related criminal investigation, that the value of the goods be confiscated for security. Three individuals – the company’s owner and two of its employees – are also suspected of engaging in aggravated regulation offences, including one suspect that has been detained since the investigation began. Customs indicated that the case will ultimately be forwarded to the Prosecution District of Eastern Finland for consideration of charges.
In March 2026, Finnish Customs announced the opening of the investigation and revealed at that time that the company exported heavy equipment from 12 EU countries—totaling 558 trucks and 45 trailers worth €79 million ($91 million)—that was transported through Finland to Russia in breach of EU sanctions that have prohibited such exports since April 13, 2022. Customs emphasized that the company used intermediary firms, front companies, fake documents, and cover stories to circumvent sanctions, and warned that criminals who exploit complex international business networks are able to quickly adapt their circumvention methods as new regulations take effect.
Finnish Customs Press Release – May 2026 | Finnish Customs Press Release – March 2026