Lithuanian logistics company searched on suspicion of sanctions violations

Authorities conducted searches at Lithuanian transport and logistics company Cargokodas in April on suspicion of violating international sanctions related to the supply of goods to Russia and Belarus.

Investigators seized €100,000 in cash, weapons, and goods worth around €1.5 million that may have been subject to sanctions.

Cargokodas shareholder Darius Mikutavičius confirmed that company representatives had been informed of the suspicions, but he criticized the authorities' handling of the case.

According to Mikutavičius, he is a collector of firearms and accessories, a member of a sports shooting club, and has the necessary permits for weapons. Therefore, the firearms found during searches of his home were checked and returned to him.

However, officials allegedly found replica mortars and artillery shells in his home to be problematic.

According to the shareholder, the dual-use goods found in the company's warehouses during the search may have been items stored by customers, taken from a commercial warehouse, and not subject to customs control.

“We have not received any information from our customers about where these goods were to be delivered or whether they should remain in Lithuania. It is impossible to determine their value because the movement of goods within the EU is unrestricted, without purchase or sale documents, and, I repeat, customs is not involved,” he said.

Regarding the €100,000 in cash found during the searches, Mikutavičius said that the money was his family's savings, kept in a safe.

Source: LRT.it