Finnish companies supply components for the military-industrial complex to russia to circumvent sanctions

Finnish companies supply components and equipment for the russian defense industry and help circumvent sanctions.

Yle has identified more than 20 Finnish companies that have exported components and equipment to russian military enterprises. These are small logistics companies that supply cameras for drones, lithium batteries, engine parts, valves for cars, etc. to russia.

Finnish companies also acted as intermediaries between russian companies and foreign sellers. In this case, the Finnish company handled the cargo, stored it, and prepared the necessary documents. For example, after the start of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Finnish companies organized the transportation of sanctioned goods to Uzbekistan. russia uses this country to circumvent sanctions on technology goods.

Most of these companies are located in the southeastern regions of Finland, close to the border with russia. Some also have owners of russian origin or russian citizens. At least nine of the russian clients of these Finnish companies have ties to the FSB and the russian defense industry.

Source: Yle