Authorities carried out searches at Cargokodas, a Lithuanian transport and logistics company, in April over suspected violations of international sanctions related to the supply of goods to Russia and Belarus, 15min.lt reported on Tuesday.
The investigators seized 100,000 euros in cash, weapons, and around 1.5 million euros’ worth of goods possibly subject to sanctions.
Cargokodas shareholder Darius Mikutavičius confirmed to 15min.lt that company representatives had been notified of the suspicions, but he criticised 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 holds the necessary permits for the weapons. Therefore, the firearms found during the searches at his home were checked and returned to him.
However, officials allegedly found the replicas of a mortar and an artillery shell in his home problematic.
According to the shareholder, the possibly dual-use goods found in the company’s warehouses during the searches were customer-stored items taken from a commercial warehouse and were not under customs control.
“We hadn’t received any information from our customers about where these goods were to be delivered or whether they were to stay in Lithuania. It’s impossible to determine their value because the movement of goods within the EU is unrestricted, without purchase or sale documents, and, I repeat, customs are not involved,” he told 15min.lt.
As for the 100,000 euros in cash found during the searches, Mikutavičius said the money was his family savings stored in a safe.
Cargokodas currently employs 11 people, 15min.lt reported, citing the latest data from the State Social Insurance Fund Board (Sodra).
The company reported sales of 15.6 million euros and a pre-tax profit of 246,400 euros in 2023.
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