Finnish Customs has finalized a preliminary investigation into a major sanctions evasion case. The probe, which began in March, focuses on an aggravated regulation offense involving the illegal export of vehicles to Russia.
According to the investigation, a Finnish company is suspected of shipping 135 trucks and 29 trailers to Russia between 2022 and 2023, directly violating EU sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
How the Sanctions Evasion Worked
The company officially declared that the vehicles were destined for Kazakhstan or Turkey, with transit through Russia. However, investigators determined that the trucks and trailers never left Russia. Instead, they were customs-cleared by a Russian firm that imports and resells heavy equipment within the country.
“Our preliminary investigation shows that the company exported heavy equipment to Russia in violation of sanctions, with a total value of €17.5 million,” said Petteri Nevalainen, Head of the Economic Crime Investigation Unit at Finnish Customs. “For the first time in a criminal sanctions investigation, Finnish Customs has requested that the value of the goods exported to Russia be confiscated as a security measure.”
Sanctions Evaders Use Complex Networks and Fake Documents
Customs officials note that this case is part of a broader pattern where companies attempt to bypass trade restrictions.
“Sanctions evaders exploit complex international business networks, intermediary companies, and front companies,” explained Petri Lounatmaa, Director of the Customs Crime Investigation Department. “They change transport routes and mislead sellers with cover stories and forged documents. Criminals also adapt their operating models quickly as new sanctions regulations come into force.”
Rising Number of Sanctions Violations in Finland
Finnish Customs has reported a steady increase in sanctions-related offenses:
- January–March of this year: 8 regulation offences (6 classified as aggravated) and 4 sanctions offences (3 aggravated).
- Last year (2025): 43 regulation offences (17 aggravated) and 3 sanctions offences.
Three Suspects, One in Pretrial Detention
In this specific case, Finnish Customs suspects three individuals of aggravated regulation offences. One suspect has been held in pretrial detention since the investigation began. The case file will be transferred to the Prosecution District of Eastern Finland in week 22 for consideration of charges.
