Six bars of soap and shoes turned into a suspended term for the Estonian

64-year-old resident of the Estonian county Ida-Virumaa was sentenced to three months in prison for repeated violations of the EU sanctions regime. The man tried to smuggle baby soap from Russia and then send tactical shoes back. This was reported by the Estonian broadcaster ERR.

The first episode took place on November 7, 2025. Upon entry from Russia to Narva, customs officers checked the man's luggage and found six pieces of baby soap. The import of these products into the EU is subject to sanctions.

On November 11 of the same year, the man was again at the border control. This time he was heading to Russia. During the baggage inspection, customs officers found new tactical boots of the German brand, the export of which to Russia is prohibited.

The Viru County Court found the Estonian guilty of repeatedly violating EU sanctions. The decision was made on November 11, 2026. The man was sentenced to three months in prison with a probation period of one year.

The court also decided to convert the shoes into state revenue. The child's soap is to be destroyed. In addition to the suspended sentence, the convict will have to reimburse court costs in the amount of 1,419 euros, which is equivalent to about 1,572 dollars.