European Union: Export Controls & Trade & Investment Sanctions

Polish prosecutors have registered nearly 2,500 sanctions cases as of mid-2026, with 85% targeting Belarus and at least 91 criminal proceedings specifically focused on wood-processing products.

Poland's Agency for Internal Security has charged two individuals with illegally exporting dual-use goods to Russia through Turkey, violating EU sanctions. The suspects allegedly purchased CNC machine tools and thermal chambers in Germany, routing them through Poland before attempting shipment to Russia via Turkey. Both individuals face potential sentences of at least three years and asset confiscation.

Poland's National Tax Administration has imposed a substantial fine of PLN 20 million on an entrepreneur for violating EU sanctions against Russia. The case involves the export of high-value vehicles to Russia during a six-month period in 2023, representing a significant breach of luxury goods export prohibitions.

Dutch authorities have arrested two men in connection with allegations of violating EU sanctions by operating a web-hosting company that facilitated destabilizing activities against the European Union. The investigation centers on claims that a newly established Dutch company served as a front for a sanctioned entity involved in cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and interference operations.

Finnish Customs has concluded an investigation into alleged prohibited exports of trucks and trailers to Russia, forwarding the case for criminal prosecution.

Swedish authorities have arrested a second crew member from the seized oil tanker Sea Owl I on suspicion of using false documents related to the vessel's purported re-registration. The Coast Guard's investigation continues to uncover irregularities in the ship's documentation following its initial seizure in March, when doubts were raised about the validity of its Comorian flag registration.

A Paris court has delivered its verdict in the landmark Lafarge prosecution, convicting the French cement company and eight former executives of terrorist financing and sanctions violations related to operations in Syria. The case resulted in substantial fines for the company and prison sentences ranging from 18 months to seven years for the convicted executives, with several defendants already signaling their intent to appeal.

Poland’s National Tax Administration has fined a company based in Małopolska and run by Belarusian citizens PLN 20,000,000 – or approximately €4,726,000.

Further to our earlier post regarding the boarding and capture of a cargo vessel, the Caffa, the Swedish Prosecutor’s Office has announced that the vessel has now been formally seized the vessel...