Artwork worth $46 million has been seized by Finnish Customs on its return to Russia, according to a statement from the government agency.
, it had confiscated three shipments of Russian paintings and sculptures over the weekend at Vaalimaa, a southeastern border crossing point. The artwork was returning to Russia via Finland after being part of international exhibitions in Italy and Japan.
"The enforcement of sanctions is part of our normal operations and we always direct our controls based on risks. The shipments that have now come under criminal investigation were detected as part of our customary enforcement work."The confiscations were justified under the premise that the artwork qualifies as"luxury goods," which are included in EU sanctions against Russia.
"It seems that the whole of Europe, not only the EU and NATO, has gone crazy," said Tsekov."Now works of art belonging to Russia are not allowed to return to their homeland, to Russian museums."RIA Novosti, citing the Russian Ministry of Culture, said that the artwork was part of two exhibition projects in Italy -- one at a gallery in Milan's Scala Square, and one at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Udine.
Finnish Customs said in the statement that"the works of art are being stored with overall consideration for their value, characteristics and safety," and that an investigation is underway.
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