Key facts
- A Finnish entrepreneur was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison for violating EU sanctions.
- The entrepreneur's company exported 164 trucks and trailers to Russia in 2022 and 2023.
- The vehicles were falsely declared as being exported to Kazakhstan or Turkey.
- The court found the entrepreneur guilty of an 'aggravated regulation offence'.
- Proceeds of the crime and the value of the property were ordered forfeited to the state.
A Finnish entrepreneur has been sentenced to three years and eight months in prison for illegally exporting trucks and trailers to Russia, in violation of European Union sanctions. Risto Riihimaki's company, based in Lappeenranta near the Russian border, exported 164 trucks and trailers in 2022 and 2023. The company had declared the vehicles were destined for Kazakhstan or Turkey, transiting through Russia, which was permitted at the time. However, the South Karelia district court found that the vehicles were actually customs cleared into Russia by a company that imported and resold them.
Finnish Customs stated the value of the trucks and trailers was approximately €17 million. The court convicted Riihimaki of an 'aggravated regulation offence,' describing the act as 'exceptional in its nature and scope.' In addition to his prison sentence, Riihimaki and his company must forfeit €608,275 in criminal proceeds and €6 million representing the value of the property to the state. The company also received a €10,000 fine. Riihimaki, who has been in custody since mid-March, denies guilt, claiming he was deceived. The court's decision is subject to appeal.