A man and his company were fined 70,200 euros for importing timber from Russia

Photo: LETA

The Kurzeme District Court sentenced a man to a fine of 31,200 euros for violating European Union (EU) sanctions — he imported timber from Russia into Latvia. His company will also have to pay a fine of 39,000 euros, the prosecutor's office reported.

Representing a limited liability company (SIA) and knowing that there is a ban on the direct or indirect purchase and import of goods of Russian origin that fall under EU sanctions, the accused acquired 50 packages containing 1,260 units of glued timber and imported them into Latvia. These goods are included in the EU Regulation on restrictive measures against Russia, which prohibits their acquisition and import if they have Russian origin or are exported from Russia.

The accused understood that after the delivery of the cargo to Latvia, it would need to be cleared from customs control using import declarations with incorrect product codes. To do this, he made arrangements with another person. Based on the issued power of attorney, that person acted at customs on behalf of the company and ensured the submission of the declaration. The criminal case against this second individual for assisting in the violation of sanctions was separated into a separate proceeding. The sentence against him came into effect in February 2025 — a fine of 14,800 euros was imposed.

Considering that the crime was committed in the interests of the legal entity, in which the accused was the sole official, participant, and beneficiary, proceedings were also initiated to apply a coercive measure against the company. The court ordered the company to pay a monetary amount equivalent to fifty minimum monthly salaries — 39,000 euros.

The property seized during the criminal proceedings — 50 packages containing 1,260 units of glued laminated timber — was ordered by the court to be confiscated in favor of the state. The funds obtained from their sale — 13,935 euros — must be transferred to the state budget.

The state prosecution in court was supported by a prosecutor from the tax and customs department. He is satisfied with the court's decision and does not plan to appeal it, as the court imposed exactly the punishment requested by the prosecutor.

Within ten days from the date of the announcement of the shortened verdict, a written request can be submitted to the court for the preparation of the full text of the decision. If such a request is submitted, the court will prepare the full sentence, which can be appealed within ten working days from the date it becomes available.