Russian detained in Lithuania on suspicion of allegedly transferring equipment to circumvent sanctions

A Russian man has been detained in Lithuania on suspicion of allegedly transferring high-tech equipment to Russia to circumvent sanctions. This is reported on January 21 by the website of the republican Prosecutor General's Office.

"A Russian citizen, who has a temporary residence permit in Lithuania, is suspected of organizing the supply of high-tech equipment manufactured in Lithuania to entities related to Russian defense," the statement reads.

According to the agency, at least 10 people are involved in the case. It is specified that export schemes to third countries were used to transfer the equipment. The Russian is currently in custody for one month.

Investigative actions in this case were carried out in cooperation with the law enforcement agencies of Latvia and Estonia. The incriminated articles are punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to five years.

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Earlier, on December 19, 2024, it was reported that a Beechcraft aircraft, registered in Lithuania, bound for Russia was detained at Helsinki airport on suspicion of allegedly circumventing sanctions. It was specified that the Beechcraft landed at the airport of the Finnish capital without warning and was en route to Pskov, while the route from Latvia to Russia could have been shorter. The plane was controlled by a pilot allegedly related to Russian business.

Western countries have tightened sanctions pressure on Russia in connection with the special operation to protect Donbas. The decision to launch the operation was announced on February 24, 2022, after the situation in the region escalated.