Sanction on freezing of yacht remains in place

After extensive investigations, the enforcement officer froze a valuable yacht in a sanctions case on 9 June 2022. The investigations revealed that the vessel was in the control, possession and use of a sanctioned person and therefore had to be frozen in accordance with the European Union (EU) Sanctions Regulation.

However, a third party claimed that the vessel belonged to him and appealed to the District Court against the enforcement officer’s decision.

In its decision of 14 November 2025, the District Court of Pirkanmaa found that the enforcement officer’s decision to freeze was correct. The District Court decision is not yet final.

Enforcement of sanctions reveals complex property arrangements

In Finland, the enforcement of personal sanctions is the responsibility of the National Enforcement Authority Finland. The EU’s 19th package of sanctions came into force on 24 October 2025.

In cases of sanctions, property can involve complex arrangements that are demanding and time-consuming to investigate. Investigations are carried out in cooperation with other authorities. Information received from declarants and others also plays an important role in enforcing sanctions.
 
Further information:
 
Chief Enforcement Officer Aki Virtanen, Special Enforcement Unit
 
Information on the enforcement of sanctions on the website of National Enforcement Authority Finland