According to Finnish customs, a cargo inspection confirmed that the detained vessel, named Fitburg, was carrying Russian-made structural steel in violation of European Union sectoral sanctions.
Finnish Customs stated that the ship had remained anchored in the port of Kantvik since its capture on January 1 on the grounds that it had damaged an underwater data cable. The authorities explained that the metal structure was identified during a detailed inspection conducted on the day of the detention, after a preliminary assessment that had already noted that the cargo was likely subject to EU sanctions prohibiting the import of certain steel products from Russia.
The Russian Embassy in Helsinki has requested additional information and stated that it is ready to help its citizens on board. According to local media reports, Russian diplomats contacted the Finnish authorities and stated that they were ready to provide consular support within the framework of the embassy's authority.
