Finland seized tens of millions of dollars worth of artwork on its way to Russia due to the European Union sanctions imposed on the country.
Finnish Customs announced Wednesday the agency took hold of the artwork between April 1 and April 2.
The paintings and sculptures were in three shipments that came from Italy and Japan, passing through Finland on its way to Russia.
The E.U. sanctions on Russia include a ban of the transportation of works of arts, allowing Finland to seize the property.
“It is important that the enforcement of sanctions works effectively,” Sami Rakshit, Director of Finnish Customs’ Enforcement Department, said.
“The enforcement of sanctions is part of our normal operations and we always direct our controls based on risks. The shipments that have now come under criminal investigation were detected as part of our customary enforcement work.”
Reuters reports the artwork was worth $46 million, with Russia claiming the works were loaned to Italy.
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Finland seizes $46 million worth of artwork headed to Russia https://t.co/vH4L72FIMM pic.twitter.com/XTTDeFCs6d
— The Hill (@thehill) April 7, 2022
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