Finland Seizes Russian Properties Worth €35 Million Linked to Naftogaz Compensation Ruling

Finland has seized over 40 properties and assets belonging to the Russian state, valued at more than 35 million euros, according to a list released by Finland’s enforcement authority, reported by Yle.

Among the seized assets are apartments and significant properties, such as the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Helsinki, which can no longer be sold or transferred.

Key properties include buildings on Nordenskiöldinkatu and Vattuniemenkatu in Helsinki, valued at 7 million and 10 million euros, respectively. The list also includes apartments on Merikatu, Fredrikinkatu, Punavuorenkatu, and other streets in Helsinki, as well as properties in other cities like Turku and Kirkkonummi.

Mika Akkonen, head of Turku’s international department, mentioned that Turku authorities were unaware of the intended use for some of the seized apartments. Certain properties, such as an apartment on Sairashuoneenkatu in Turku, were previously used as housing for the Russian consulate staff.

These measures are connected to an April 2023 ruling by the Hague-based international arbitration court, which ordered Russia to pay the Ukrainian company Naftogaz over 5 billion euros in compensation for losses resulting from the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia.