State Security Service suspects exports of Russian and Belarusian plywood to Ukraine

RIGA - The State Security Service (VDD) has opened a criminal investigation into a possible violation of EU sanctions on the export of Russian and Belarusian plywood to Ukraine.

On February 22, the service carried out criminal investigation activities at several sites in Valmiera on suspicion of violating EU sanctions, the LETA was informed by the service.

The Criminal Code provides for a penalty of up to four years' imprisonment, probation supervision, community service or a fine for violation of the sanctions.

During the investigation, the VDD has obtained information on illegal activities related to the export of square plywood to Ukraine. The investigation revealed that shipments of plywood produced in Russia and Belarus were exported from Latvia to Ukraine using false documents of origin from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Transactions using fraudulently issued certificates of origin contributed to the violation of international sanctions

The VDD is releasing no additional informed at the moment.