Polish Customs seize Boeing aircraft tires bound for Russia

Warsaw, Poland – Polish customs officials have intercepted a shipment of five metric tons of Boeing aircraft tires that were falsely declared as car and bus tires. The tires, originating from a company in Spain and destined for Azerbaijan, were scheduled to transit through Belarus and Russia—both under strict European Union sanctions.

The seizure took place at the Koroszczyn border crossing, where officers from Poland’s National Revenue Administration (KAS) discovered the mis-declared cargo during a routine inspection. According to authorities, the transit of such goods through Belarus and Russia is prohibited under Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, which imposes restrictive measures in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Officials have initiated criminal fiscal proceedings against those involved, citing customs fraud. The detained goods highlight ongoing efforts to bypass international sanctions, particularly in the aviation sector. Similar cases have emerged in recent years, including a U.S. Customs seizure of Boeing aircraft components intended for Russian airlines in 2023.

This latest interception underscores Poland’s commitment to enforcing EU sanctions and preventing restricted goods from reaching Russia. Authorities continue to investigate the matter, with further legal actions expected against those responsible for the attempted shipment.