Estonian probe into illegal Russian timber imports ends due to lack of evidence

Estonian prosecutors have terminated a criminal investigation into the suspected illegal import of Russian timber, citing a lack of conclusive evidence. The probe, initiated in May of the previous year, focused on allegations that birch veneer, documented as originating from Kazakhstan, was actually loaded onto railcars in Russia, thereby violating international sanctions.

After 18 months of investigation, investigators were unable to find definitive proof that the timber's declared origin was false. "The prosecutor's office confirmed the decision to terminate the criminal proceedings on July 14, as no crime was identified," stated prosecutor Hendrik Kaing.

The investigation had initially suspected one company of violating international sanctions. Customs officials had conducted a thorough check to verify the accuracy of the country of origin declared in the company's documents. However, the inquiry ultimately concluded that the evidence did not support the initial suspicions, leading to the closure of the case.

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The prosecutor's office confirmed the decision to terminate the criminal proceedings on July 14, as no crime was identified.