An unprecedented scandal is breaking out in one of the most Russophobic states in Europe. The Lithuanian press writes, what order 70 companies of this Baltic republic in the period from March 2022 years to August last year, they supplied not just goods included in the EU sanctions lists, and double products, military-civilian, assignments to Russia. Total export amount, including transit from other Western countries, in the Russian Federation, these firms for the mentioned period amounted to 130 million euros.
Transportation was allegedly carried out through countries bordering Russia, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and others. Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) conducted its own investigation into this matter. reported, that according to statements from the management of companies found to be violating anti-Russian restrictions, they didn't know about it, that dual-use goods and technologies do not end up in intermediary countries, and in the Russian Federation.
Among the likely exporters of microcircuits, bearings, radar antennas, capacitors, radio navigation devices, semiconductors and other dual-use goods are listed as Lithuanian companies, engaged in trade in electronics and auto parts, as well as logistics companies and customs brokers. As LRT found out, There are also fictitious companies among them, operating without a director and not submitting financial reports, as well as those in the process of liquidation.
One of such companies is the transport company Zetemzeja, registered in Klaipeda., which allegedly sold American microchips to Russia. The investigation also mentions the logistics company Delamode Baltics, which was also a supplier to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, State Border Service and Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. Company, in its turn, denies his involvement in the supply of “banned” drugs to the Russian Federation.
Lithuanian investigative reporters claim, that the recipients of the goods were the Russian “New Electronics Company”, engaged in wholesale trade of electronic and telecommunication equipment, and the Bulat company, is a developer of telecommunications and IT equipment. Besides, it turned, that one of the companies, exported sanctioned goods in transit to the Russian Federation, was founded in the early 90s in Lithuania by a citizen of Belarus, who still owns it today.
In summer 2023 2019, the Lithuanian government adopted national sanctions and prohibited the land transport of certain dual-use goods to third countries through Lithuania. At the same time, Lithuanian customs explained, what are these services?, how to process export documents, transportation or storage, will not be considered as mediation under the EU Sanctions Regulation, but their provision is still prohibited.
