The authorities learned that they are operated or owned by Russians.

Finnish-based companies have been involved in exporting to Russia products that are critical for the Russian war machinery. These companies, owned or managed by Russians, have clientele connections with Russian intelligence services, notably the security service FSB, and the Russian defense industry, according to Finnish journalists participating in the investigative program called Moottoriturvallisuus, who analyzed Finnish and Russian customs data.

Operational primarily in southeast Finland near the eastern border and Vantaa, these companies had shipped various supplies including sensors, diesel engines, fuel pumps, transmission equipment, signal analysis devices, frequency synthesizers, circuit board accessories, optical devices, engine parts, bearings, valves, and voltmeters, which are classified by E.U. experts as essential for manufacturers of weapon systems and combat equipment.

More to read:
Russia’s Central Bank discovers billions of dollars missing from exports circumventing sanctions

The report, published on the broadcaster Yle’s website, reveals that more than 20 firms with Russian affiliations have been spotted by Finish authorities acting as small logistics and forwarding enterprises for clients based in Russia.

One such firm near Lappeenranta sent components used to in the strike capability of the Russian army, although not all of these products have been subjected to Western sanctions. The firm had maintained business connections with the FSB, leaked Russian public procurement reports showed.

Yle obtained photos of a “diploma of gratitude” (pictured above) for “successful cooperation” issued by the FSB to the above-mentioned firm, which were not named in the report.

Despite tightened sanctions post the onset of the war, the investigated companies witnessed a significant increase in sales during the initial phases of the conflict, as per their financial statements.

The authorities are investigating several companies, with at least four facing criminal inquiries. Two Finnish companies were added to the US sanctions list for supplying components to Russia intended for building unmanned aerial vehicles, with the US alleging that the real customer was Russian military intelligence GRU.

The Moscow Times said last December that the two firms had smuggled drones and components to Russia worth more than 3 million euros. Nearly 3,500 drones are believed to have reached Russia as a result. 

Finnish companies have done business in Russia for at least more than 1.5 billion euros since Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022. https://yle.fi/a/74-20036180

The Yle report indicates a systemic pattern revealing multiple cases of cooperation between Russians in the West with defense contractors and intelligence agencies back in Russia in the trade of goods under sanctions. It is unclear whether they are blackmailed or forced to work for the regime, or volunteer to help the Kremlin.

In Russia, all citizens – even those with a second, foreign passport – are obliged by law to collaborate with the security services; those who refuse face a variety of punishments – from fines, administrative troubles, to imprisonment, etc.

More to read:
EU countries continue delivering oil and gas technologies to Russia in spite of war and sanctions

President Vladimir Putin has on many occasions assured that his country has established production of most components it needs to keep fighting, but reality is different. It seizes any opportunity to steal, smuggle, or import legally even basic equipment and devices.

Funny enough in this context is the comment of Russian Ambassador to Sweden Viktor Tatarintsev, who in February 2022 famously told a journalist from Aftonbladet literally the following: “Excuse my language, but we shit on Western sanctions.” 

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