Finnish Police Seize Fitburg for Technical Investigation in Baltic Cable Damage Probe
Customs closed its sanctions review, clearing the cargo for export after confirming the ship entered Finnish waters at Finland’s request.
Overview
- The Central Criminal Police said the vessel was seized to enable a preliminary investigation, including a technical examination and crew interviews.
- Finnish authorities detained the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines–flagged cargo ship on December 31 on suspicion it damaged a telecommunications cable in the Gulf of Finland.
- A Helsinki district court on January 4 ordered pre-trial detention for one crew member, identified as an Azerbaijani citizen.
- Finnish Customs decided not to open a criminal case under sanctions law after determining the ship’s entry into territorial waters occurred at the request of Finnish authorities.
- Customs said the cargo will be released provided it is exported from Finland, and the Russian Embassy reported it was notified and stands ready to assist nationals on board.