Partner Oscari Seppälä Interviewed by Dow Jones News on Finland’s Sanctions Enforcement
Partner Oscari Seppälä Interviewed by Dow Jones News on Finland’s Sanctions Enforcement
We are proud to share that Oscari Seppälä, Partner at LKOS Law Office, was interviewed by Dow Jones Risk Journal for a feature article discussing Finland’s role as one of the EU’s most active enforcers of sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The article, titled “Finland Probes Sanctioned Exports to Russia,” highlights Finland’s proactive legal and institutional approach in monitoring and prosecuting export-related sanctions violations.
Legal Expertise Recognised Internationally
In the article, Oscari offers expert commentary on how Finnish criminal law enables personal and corporate liability in sanctions cases, even when complex company structures are used to conceal unlawful exports.
“Finnish criminal law allows for individual criminal liability even when a corporate structure is used. If a person directs or controls a company in a manner that enables or conceals the offense, they may be held personally liable regardless of corporate separation,” Oscari explains.
He also outlines recent amendments to Finland’s Criminal Code introducing corporate criminal liability for sanctions violations, with companies facing fines of up to 5% of turnover or €40 million.
Finland’s Leading Role in Sanctions Enforcement
The article discusses how Finland’s geographic location, longstanding trade ties with Russia, and automated customs control systems have made it a central player in EU sanctions enforcement. Authorities have launched nearly 1,000 criminal investigations into sanctions breaches, many of which involve attempts to circumvent EU sanctions via Central Asia.
This includes suspicious export patterns such as 257 EU-based companies with no prior Central Asian trade history using Finland for clearance triggering red flags for enforcement authorities.
Why It Matters to Our Clients
This feature highlights not only Finland’s increasing scrutiny of international trade flows, but also LKOS Law Office’s position as a trusted legal advisor in complex sanctions, export control, and cross-border trade matters. Our deep understanding of EU and Finnish regulation combined with practical experience means we are well-placed to support companies facing increasing compliance demands.
Whether you require legal risk assessments, export licensing advice, or representation in enforcement matters, our team is here to help you stay compliant and protected.
Learn More
🔗 The full article is available to Risk Journal subscribers here: LINK TO THE ARTICLE
📞 Contact us today to discuss how we can help your business navigate sanctions and export control regulations.