A Finnish entrepreneur has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for violating European Union sanctions against Russia.
Risto Riihimaki's company exported 164 trucks and trailers to Russia in 2022 and 2023. The vehicles, valued at approximately 17 million euros, were disguised as transits to Kazakhstan or Turkey.
The South Karelia district court found the shipments were illegally customs-cleared in Russia. Riihimaki was convicted of an "aggravated regulation offence."
The court also ordered the forfeiture of over 6.6 million euros in proceeds and property value, plus a fine for the company.
Riihimaki, who has been in custody since March, denied the charges and claimed he was deceived. The case can be appealed.
Finland's lengthy border with Russia has been closed since late 2023.