Customs said that the consignment contained surface-to-air missile guidance systems, which are classified as defense armaments in Finland.
The parts, weighing at slightly over one tonne and en route from Vietnam via Hong Kong, were confiscated on June 24 and were on their way to be repaired in Ukraine.
Incident being investigated as crime
Defence materiel freight in Finland requires a special permit, which the missile shipment did not have. Finnish Customs are investigating the case as an armament export violation, which according to Finnish law is punishable by a fine or by up to four years in prison. No arrests have been made in connection with the case.
Customs will be requesting international aid to clear up the situation, and the investigation may take as long as six months to reach completion.
