Estonian man gets suspended sentence for smuggling soap across border with Russia

In Estonia, a 64-year-old resident of Ida-Virumaa County was sentenced to three months in prison for repeated violations of EU sanctions. The man tried to import six pieces of baby soap from Russia, and later - to export tactical shoes to Russia.

According to the publication, on November 7, 2025, the man arrived from Russia to Narva, during the inspection of luggage, customs officers found six pieces of baby soap. Its import from Russia is prohibited by EU sanctions.

Four days later, on November 11, the man tried to cross the border with Russia. This time, customs officers found new tactical LOWA boots in his luggage. Their import into Russia is prohibited.

The Viru district court found the man guilty of repeatedly violating sanctions restrictions and appointed him three months in prison with a probationary period of one year.

The sentence was handed down on November 11, 2026. The court decided to confiscate the shoes in favor of the state. Baby soap will also be removed and destroyed. In addition, the man must pay €1,419 (approximately $1,572) in court costs.

Moscow considers Western sanctions illegitimate and ineffective. According to President Vladimir Putin, more than 30,000 sanctions have been imposed against Russia, which is almost twice as many as against all other countries of the world combined. The Kremlin noted that Russia has achieved a certain “immunity” to restrictions.