On 27 February VDD informed about criminal proceedings carried out on 22 February on several sites in Valmiera on suspicion of violation of European Union sanctions.
In response to speculations circulating in the information space, VDD clarifies that the criminal proceedings were conducted in Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Valmiera office premises, and two of its officials’ places of residence. The criminal case is not related to Valmiera district council.
As VDD informed previously, criminal proceedings were carried out within the criminal case that was initiated on 24 November 2023 pursuant to Section 84 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law.
During the investigation, VDD has obtained information about illegal activities related to the export of square plywood to Ukraine. Within the investigation, it was established that cargos of plywood produced in Russia and Belarus were exported from Latvia to Ukraine using forged documents about the origin of goods in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Transactions involving the unjustifiably issued certificates of origin of goods have contributed to the violation of international sanctions.
VDD will provide additional information about the course of investigation according to the progress of the criminal case.
VDD recalls that no person should be considered guilty until their guilt is proven in accordance with law.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo by VDD
