Convicted and fined for Dual Use Export Breaches

It has been reported that a Finnish court has convicted two Russian‑national students for unlawfully exporting dual-use goods items with both civilian and military applications from Finland to Russia.

According to official reporting, the illegally exported equipment included drones and laser rangefinders, with an estimated total value of €140,000.  

The case highlights Finland’s increasingly assertive stance on export control and sanctions enforcement, particularly in relation to Russia following the recent expansion of EU sanctions frameworks.

The students were handed suspended sentences, reflecting the seriousness of the violations while acknowledging their cooperation during the proceedings.  

This conviction aligns with a broader pattern of enforcement activity across Europe. Authorities have been intensifying their oversight of potential sanctions evasion schemes involving electronics, optics, and drone-related technologies, goods frequently targeted for their potential military applicability.

Earlier enforcement reporting in Finland has also linked similar cases to exports of laptops, processors, smartphones, and other drone-related equipment, demonstrating repeated attempts to circumvent EU-mandated controls.  

The sentencing of these two individuals underscores three key developments:

1. Increased scrutiny of educational institutions and young individuals who may be targeted or exploited to move prohibited technology.
2. Growing coordination across EU enforcement bodies, especially as member states implement harmonised criminal penalties under the EU Sanctions Directive.
3. A clear compliance message to logistics providers, exporters, and intermediaries operating in high-risk goods categories.

For organisations subject to EU, UK, or UN sanctions obligations, the case reinforces the importance of robust due diligence, end-user verification, and continuous monitoring of export‑control developments.
Weblinks

• https://globalsanctions.com/2026/02/two-students-convicted-in-finland-for-dual-use-export-breaches/
• https://blogs.duanemorris.com/europeansanctionsenforcement/2025/12/03/finland-two-individuals-charged-with-sanctioned-export-offences/
• https://yle.fi/a/74-20189014
• https://blogs.duanemorris.com/europeansanctionsenforcement/2024/10/15/finland-three-russian-nationals-under-investigation-for-dual-use-exports/