Judgment Day for Russian Courts: Latvia Has Launched a Hunt for the 'Shadow Fleet' 0 16

Meanwhile, a report from the National Council for Sanctions Coordination was recently published. Mr. Kulbergs will clearly appreciate it, and perhaps he will leave the main instigator in her position...

Rules for Imposing Sanctions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Financial Intelligence Service, the Customs Department of the State Revenue Service, the Bank of Latvia "and other competent institutions" (a total of 28!) are collaborating on sanctions against the Russian Federation and Belarus, as stated in the report published on the legal acts portal (tap.gov.lv).

The Cabinet of Ministers adopted document N 547 "Rules for Establishing National Sanctions Against Entities Related to the Military Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine."

"The consideration of amendments to the Criminal Code and the sanctions law, aimed at clarifying the composition and punishment for sanction-related crimes, is nearing completion. An important piece of news is the introduction of administrative responsibility for the circulation of sanctioned goods valued up to 10,000 euros without classifying them as goods of strategic importance."

Latvian Leadership

"Particular attention was also paid to limiting Russia's 'shadow fleet,'" the document notes. "During discussions, it was explained that until now, the main focus has been on ships previously owned by 'Sovcomflot,' which have changed their countries of registration and ownership structures.

The Financial Intelligence Service reported that ships are identified by various criteria, and that the number of proposals submitted from Latvia to include new ships in the sanctions lists is disproportionately high compared to other participating countries.

At the same time, the Financial Intelligence Service reported on the purchase of a special data analysis tool for shipping, which will allow for in-depth analysis of ships' operations at sea in the future."

Foreign Minister Baiba Broka ("New Unity") is convinced that "sanctions are an important tool for supporting Ukraine, as they reduce Russia's revenues, limit its military capabilities, and hinder access to technologies and goods necessary to continue the war."

Moscow Doesn’t Believe in Tears

The head of the foreign ministry also emphasized the need to continue communication with Latvian entrepreneurs, "reminding that cooperation with Russia is not long-term and that a predictable and safe business environment in Russia is not expected to develop in the coming years."

"It was noted that Latvia should support entrepreneurs who want to expand their activities in other markets, especially in the Asian region."

Meanwhile, the European Union as a whole is still lagging behind Latvia – as complete energy independence from Russia, including oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, is only promised to arrive in the Old World by 2027.