Finnish customs bust network suspected of exporting millions in drones and military goods to Russia

Customs authorities in Finland have uncovered a criminal network allegedly evading European Union sanctions by illegally exporting drones, semiconductors and other goods to Russia, valued at more than 3 million euros.

The investigation is focused on two Finnish companies suspected of orchestrating over 30 exports involving items such as microcontrollers and semiconductor components, totaling over €600,000, a government statement said, explaining that these exports are believed to have reached Russia ‘through deceptive transit routes’.

In addition, authorities suspect that almost 3,500 unmanned aerial vehicles (‘UAVs’), valued at more than 2 million euros, also ended up in Russia, together with weapons designed to intercept drones valued at more than 350,000 euros and re-exported through Kazakhstan in Spring of this year, the government said.

The alleged mastermind behind both companies, facing accusations of operating as a procurement entity and a freight forwarder for goods to Russia, is now under investigation, the media release said, 5 December.

It said a total of six people are suspected in the crimes, one of whom has been imprisoned since September.

‘Based on the preliminary investigation, there are indications that the activity has been directed from Russia,’ said Hannu Sinkkonen, a director at the customs office. ‘An extensive network of international companies has been built in the operation, through which the operation has been able to be financed from, for example, Russia,’ he said in comments translated from Finnish.

He added that the preliminary investigations were done in cooperation with authorities in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Europol, the EU law enforcement authority.