Nearly two years after Danish paint company Flügger officially withdrew from the Russian market, its products are still widely available in physical and online stores across Russia, according to an investigation by Danish broadcaster DR.
© Flügger
Flügger's CEO Sune Schnack responded to the revelation by stating the company was misled and became aware of the issue only at the end of 2024 through a whistleblower. A "thorough investigation" has since been conducted, the company says, although it has declined interviews on the matter.
The continued presence of Flügger products in Russia appears linked to the company's former local partner, Aleksej Popov, who has allegedly continued to distribute and market Flügger paint, including appearances at design fairs, even after the termination of their collaboration.
Legal experts have raised concerns that this could constitute a breach of international sanctions. Nicolaj Sivan Holst, professor of criminal law at Aarhus University, stated that 'if there is no explanation for what you can see with the naked eye, then you have to say that it looks like there has been a violation of the sanctions.'
The case raises serious questions about enforcement of corporate exits from sanctioned markets and the potential misuse of former distribution networks. It also underscores the reputational and legal risks companies face when operating, or disengaging, from politically sensitive regions.
Source: www.wood-supply.dk