May 16, 2023
Representatives of the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) presented awards to members of the Estonian Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO), Tax and Customs Board, and Internal Security Service (KAPO) in Tallinn, Estonia on May 15, 2023, for their work and assistance in three separate cases involving individuals alleged to have violated Russia-related sanctions. In separate ceremonies at the offices of the PGO, Tax and Customs Board, and KAPO, U.S. representatives expressed their gratitude for the extensive roles the Estonian agencies played in helping bring the alleged sanctions violators to justice.
“Estonia is a crucial partner for the United States as we work together to bring Russian sanctions violators to justice. We are proud to recognize members of KAPO, PGO, and the Tax and Customs Board for their assistance and coordination in these cases. They are clear examples of how our law enforcement cooperation enhances our collective security,” said U.S. Ambassador to Estonia George P. Kent.
“The awards presented for these cases represent the FBI’s recognition of the strong partnership and excellent cooperation between our services in combating the persistent threat posed by the Government of Russia. Through this coordinated effort, our services disrupted Russian proliferation networks to make Estonia an unfavorable environment for illicit procurement and transshipment of goods supporting Russia’s military,” said a spokesperson from the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation.
These investigations were coordinated with the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls, and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. Department of Commerce and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) also supported the investigations.
More information on the cases can be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/russian-military-and-intelligence-agencies-procurement-network-indicted-brooklyn-federal; https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/european-nationals-and-entities-indicted-charges-violating-us-laws-their-attempt-export; и https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/estonian-national-charged-helping-russian-military-acquire-us-electronics-including
