An employee of Optogama, one of Lithuania’s largest laser manufacturers, secretly sold lasers to Russian defence industry institutes, reports LRT RADIO.
This was confirmed by Optogama CEO Tadas Lipinskas.
The company has suspended its membership in the Lithuanian Laser Association, an investigation is underway, and one person has been detained.
“Optogama is aware of the ongoing pre-trial investigation by the Financial Crimes Investigation Service. We know that one of the company’s employees engaged in illegal actions, which may have led to some of the components produced by the company being transferred to sanctioned entities,” Lipinskas told LRT RADIO in a comment.
He added that the company was unaware of the employee’s actions, the situation was unexpected for the management. The employee has been fired, an internal investigation is underway, and the company is cooperating with law enforcement.
Gediminas Račiukaitis, president of the Lithuanian Laser Association, said that the case would affect the company’s reputation.
“Each company has its own procedures. Sellers are responsible for their plans. [Optogama’s] reputation is the most important thing right now. If someone bypasses the company to sell, whether they sold directly or through another Lithuanian company, it’s hard to say,” he told LRT RADIO.
A few weeks ago, the State Security Department (VSD), Lithuania’s intelligence agency, announced suspicions that a Russian citizen with a temporary residence permit in Lithuania had organised the supply of high-tech equipment to Russian defence and security industry research institutions, scientific institutions, and related entities.
According to the VSD, 10 individuals have been named as suspects in the investigation, which involved actions in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Vilnius-based Optogama manufactures laser sources, optical systems, and laser accessories. According to the Sodra database, the company employs 30 people.
Data from the Centre of Registers shows that one of Optogama’s founders and a former shareholder is Belarusian citizen Nikolai Kuleshov.
Optogama’s lasers were previously widely sold in Russia. LLS, a St. Petersburg-based company, claims to be Optogama’s representative in Russia.
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