Lithuania freezes assets of Mere operator after EU sanctions on Russian owner

Lithuania's Financial Crime Investigation Service has frozen the assets of Valiante, the local operator of the Russian discount retail chain Mere, following the European Union’s imposition of sanctions against its indirect owner, Russian businessman Sergey Shnayder. The move affects Valiante, alongside two related companies, Next Logistics and Litproduktai, as they have been listed as sanctioned entities by the Lithuanian authority. The freeze was implemented under EU sanctions rules, which require the freezing of funds held by entities whose ownership exceeds 50% by a sanctioned individual. According to the Financial Crime Investigation Service, Shnayder indirectly controls 79% of Valiante and holds stakes of 74.87% each in Litproduktai and Next Logistics. These companies were added to the sanction list this week, marking a direct consequence of Shnayder’s inclusion in the EU’s 21st package of sanctions. Shnayder was sanctioned by the EU on July 23 for alleged involvement in activities undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. The sanctions extend to operators of the Mere retail chain in Lithuania and other countries, leading to immediate operational halts for the affected businesses. This led to the sudden closure of all Mere stores in Lithuania on July 24, with the retailer attributing the decision to “technical obstacles.” Prior to the closures, Mere operated 26 stores nationwide. Before the shutdown, Mere had been a prominent player in Lithuania’s retail sector, offering discounted goods to a wide customer base. The abrupt closure left many customers without access to the chain’s services and raised concerns among local authorities about potential continuity of operations through alternative channels. The Ministry of Economy and Innovation has voiced worries that individuals connected to Mere might continue their business activities via the recently launched Ola retail chain. Ola has already opened a store in Šiauliai, a town located in northern Lithuania. The situation highlights the broader impact of EU sanctions on businesses operating within member states. While the primary target of the sanctions was Shnayder, the ripple effects have reached local operators such as Valiante, forcing them into compliance with measures beyond their control. The freezing of assets represents a critical enforcement step, ensuring that sanctioned individuals cannot benefit financially from their holdings in Lithuania. The Ministry of Economy and Innovation’s concerns underscore the need for vigilance in monitoring the movement of business activities. With Ola’s new presence in Šiauliai, there is a possibility that some aspects of Mere’s operations could persist under a different brand name. This raises questions about how effectively the EU’s sanctions framework can prevent the continuation of sanctioned business practices through alternative means. As the situation unfolds, further action may be taken to ensure full compliance with EU directives. The Lithuanian government will likely monitor the activities of Ola and other potential outlets to determine whether they are being used to circumvent existing sanctions. Meanwhile, the legal implications for Shnayder and his associates remain under scrutiny, with ongoing investigations into their alleged activities. The outcome of these developments will shape the future of retail operations in Lithuania and set precedents for similar cases.