Lithuanian ForMin turns to prosecutors over violation of sanctions for Russia

“Lithuania is consistently observing its commitments (…) in connection to implementation of the restrictions applied to imports of goods of Crimean and Sevastopol origin to the European Union in response to the unlawful incorporation of Crimea and Sevastopol (into Russia). From the point of view of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, physical and legal entities of Lithuania and other EU countries should unconditionally follow the EU sanctions, and administrative and criminal charges can be brought against the persons for the violation,” the ministry said in a press release.

According to the communique, it is up to law-enforcement institutions and courts, in accordance to EU and Lithuanian legal acts, to decide whether a specific company violated the sanctions stipulated in EU laws.

“Lithuania strongly supports Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We hold a firm and principled position on Russia‘s aggression against Ukraine and unlawful annexation of Crimea,” reads the message.

Verslo Zinios business daily said last week that a few Lithuanian companies developing business in Crimea had difficulties in connection to the sanctions applied against Russia. Among the companies at issue are Hanner real estate development company, Pluošto Linija, a Crimea-registered company owned by Vytautas Laurutis and Panevėžys company Pluošto Linija, and BT Invest owned by Raimondas Tumenas.