The most sanctioned ammonium nitrate / day exposed to Riga Fertilizer Terminal

FID explained that on November 1 last year, the service allowed the mineral fertilizers to be released from freezing sanctions, which were stored at the RFT terminal. This permit was granted to prevent possible environmental hazards. Initially, the mineral fertilizer auction was planned, but it did not.

On March 5 this year, a FID decision was made to sell ammonium nitrate stored at the RFT terminal in Latvia registered in Latvia, who is not subject to international sanctions. This permit was also provided to prevent possible environmental hazards.

All the funds obtained as a result of the sale are already frozen in Latvian credit institutions, following the sanctions regime.

The physical export of fertilizers from the RFT terminal is currently ongoing, and most ammonium nitrate, or about 75% of the entire collection, has already been removed, thus reducing the potential risk of environmental threats, FID said.

FID recalled that the fertilizer was frozen in accordance with the sanctions adopted by the European Union in March 2022 as a response to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.

The sanctions subject, Russian citizen Dmitry Mazepin, indirectly controls both RTF and mineral fertilizer owners whose freight was stored at the terminal. For this reason, the economic activity of the RFT was suspended and the obligation to ensure the safe storage of fertilizers until they are removed, FID said.

European Union legislation provides for the possibility of applying exceptions to the sanctions regime, including in cases where a major threat to the environment is urgently prevented. As of April 1, 2024, the competent authority of the sanctions in Latvia is FID.

FID has previously emphasized in a statement to the media that the auction of mineral fertilizers owned by Mazepin companies under international sanctions is not organized in the interest of Mazepin.

TV3 announced in early January that the Riga Fertilizer Terminal had more than 47,000 tonnes of minmetral fertilizers at the time, including about 9,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which is a particularly dangerous substance.

The State Environmental Service (VVD) had suspended a permit for the Sanctions subordinate to the RFT polluting activity, which was issued for temporary storage and transhipment of mineral fertilizers in the Freeport of Riga.

Due to the sanctions imposed on the company, commercial cargoes with 113,000 tonnes of fertilizers were initially stuck, which is classified as a dangerous cargo.

RFT’s true beneficiary, according to Firmas.lv, is Mazepin on ownership through the Cypriot company « Tammulogis Limited », which owns 51%.

49% of Riga Fertilizer Terminal owns AS « Riga Port Group », owned by Multi Capital Holdings. The owners of the company are indirectly the family of ex -premier Andris Skele and the family of Saeima deputy Ainars Slesers (LPV).