It is being reported that Dutch Customs have launched a major investigation includes raids on premises in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, searches on board a container vessel and the arrest and detention of the captain.
The vessel in question routinely sails between St Petersburg and Rotterdam. Dozens of containers on board the vessel have been found with goods suspected of breaching the EU’s sanctions. The containers are said to show signs of attempts to conceal the contents.
Of the goods identified, the containers carried large quantities of car parts which can be used in passenger vehicles as well as trucks. Also found was motor oil.
The same report also indicates that the investigations continue into: i) a company suspected of sanctioned imports of timber (see our earlier post), with the report noting that trial is anticipated in 2027); and ii) the company suspected of supplying goods and services to shadow fleet vessels (see our earlier post).