Polish customs officials intercepted five tons of aircraft tires intended for Boeing civilian aircraft, which were suspected to be a violation of European Union sanctions.  

The seizure was made during a routine inspection by the Lublin National Revenue Administration (KAS) at the Koroszczyn border crossing. 

According to the Lublin Customs and Tax Office (UCS), the shipment was declared as tires for buses and trucks. However, upon inspection, officials discovered that the cargo consisted of specialized tires used for Boeing civil aircraft. 

“The transit of such goods through the territory of Belarus and Russia is subject to sanctions under Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine and Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and Belarus’s participation in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” the Lublin National Revenue Administration (KAS) said in a statement. 

The shipment originated from a company in Spain and was destined for an entity in Azerbaijan. Authorities allege that the misdeclaration constitutes customs fraud, and tax criminal proceedings have been initiated. 

“The sanctioned goods were detained,” the statement continued. “The investigation into the violation of sanctions regulations is being conducted by the Lublin UCS.” 

The incident highlights an increasing trend in efforts to bypass international sanctions related to the war in Ukraine.

In a similar case in September 2023, US Customs and Border Protection seized a landing gear component for a Boeing 737-800 at Miami International Airport (MIA). This part had been purchased by a transshipper based in the Kyrgyz Republic for use in servicing Russia, thereby violating US economic sanctions. 

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