Russia systematically circumvents sanctions by using international procurement networks that also operate in Finland, according to Teemu Liikkanen, head of counterintelligence at security and intelligence agency Supo.

He said the procurement networks attempt to obscure their activities but are ultimately, through multiple intermediaries, linked to Moscow and serve its defence industry.

"The role of the Russian state in directing these activities is deliberately concealed," Liikkanen told Finnish news agency STT.

These networks, according to Supo, predate Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They have, according to Liikkanen, become more active as sanctions have tightened, making access to critical technology more difficult.

Russia is particularly interested in optics, maritime technologies, quantum expertise, and spare parts, including circuit boards and other components. Moscow is also seeking manufacturing equipment to produce more of this technology domestically.