KAS and SG combat sanctions evasion in the birch plywood sector

The proceedings concern the illegal import of russian and Belarusian birch plywood, which is subject to restrictions related to sanctions imposed in connection with the war in Ukraine. Despite the restrictions, these goods entered the Polish market under false declarations of origin – Kazakhstan and Turkey – which was supposed to ensure their legal circulation within the European Union (EU). A group of companies from the Pomerania region specialised in this activity, which attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies.

The measures taken by the services were the result of earlier actions, which made it possible to significantly supplement the evidence base. Extensive documentation and electronic media were seized and then subjected to detailed analysis. Searches were also carried out at companies that accept wood products. It was established that the organisers of the imports, when transporting goods to Poland and other EU countries from countries subject to sanctions, effectively concealed the actual sources of origin of the goods. The detainees – four Polish citizens and one citizen of the russian federation – were charged by the District Prosecutor's Office in Gdańsk. The charges related to misleading customs authorities about the performance of contracts concluded before the sanctions were imposed and importing plywood and rails from Belarus into Poland.

The illegal activity brought its participants significant financial benefits, while negatively affecting the market situation of companies operating in accordance with applicable law. Those detained face imprisonment for a term of not less than three years.

Source: Ministerstwo Finansów - Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa