Lithuania’s Customs Criminal Service (MKT) has raided a Kaunas-based company suspected of attempting to bypass international sanctions by supplying filtration equipment to Russia’s oil industry.
Authorities say the company tried to export industrial water treatment equipment to Russia under the guise of fictitious recipients in Portugal.
Searches were conducted last week at the firm’s offices and at the homes of associated individuals.
Eleven people were detained during the raids, including employees, executives, and truck drivers from Moldova and Bulgaria.
Two trucks were also held – one in Kaunas during loading, and another en route to the Lithuanian-Polish border. The detained were released after questioning, with two placed under travel restrictions.
In coordination with Portuguese and Bulgarian authorities, searches were also carried out at the fake recipient in Portugal and a freight terminal in Bulgaria where the equipment was stored.
Officials seized several dozen tonnes of water treatment machinery and components valued at around €2 million.
Investigators suspect the equipment was ultimately intended for Russia’s oil sector, in violation of sanctions.
The Kaunas firm manufactures water treatment equipment and trades in components, maintaining close ties with Russian businesses, including one of the world’s fastest-growing petrochemical companies.
Officials allege the company employed a shadow delivery scheme: goods were officially sent to Portugal but rerouted via Bulgaria and Turkey before reaching Russia.
The operation was coordinated by Eurojust and Europol, with Portuguese and Bulgarian police participating. Lithuania’s ORKA (Rapid Response Counterattack Team) and FNTT (Financial Crime Investigation Service) also assisted MKT.
The investigation is led by prosecutors at the Kaunas Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
