Dutch customs recently conducted a major operation in the port of Rotterdam, intercepting multiple shipments of sanctioned goods bound for Russia. The captain of a container ship operating a regular line service between Rotterdam and St. Petersburg was arrested on suspicion of involvement in criminal activities related to potential violations of EU sanctions.
The investigation, led by a specialized team of Dutch customs, revealed strong indications that this route was being exploited to circumvent sanctions. Authorities searched containers, the vessel, and two companies in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The captain was remanded in custody for two weeks by a Rotterdam court.
During inspections, customs found containers misdeclared for transit, containing car parts like windshields, doors, motor oil, and air filtration systems, with tampered labels suggesting concealment. These goods, prohibited from transiting through Russia, risk being retained and used locally, potentially supporting Russia’s war industry (e.g., for military vehicles or aircraft parts).
The operation, part of a broader international effort with Europol and other EU customs agencies, stopped dozens of containers. Notably, 92% of sanctioned goods on this route originate from other EU member states. Dutch customs collaborated with the FIOD (Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service), NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority), and Rotterdam Port Police.
Source and photo: Dutch customs.