Actors allegedly linked to Russia, Belarus used Lithuanian businesses to forge ties with foreign firms

Lithuanian intelligence services (the State Security Department and the Second Investigation Department) have identified a specific pattern: actors are not necessarily creating new companies, but rather reactivating dormant, low-activity businesses to mask their activities. By doing so, they create a facade of legitimacy that allows them to forge ties with foreign firms and bypass Western export controls.

The report specifically named three Lithuania-registered entities allegedly involved in this scheme.

BK Software: Led by a Russian citizen, this firm reportedly partnered with a Russian-owned company in Hong Kong. It is under heavy scrutiny for allegedly supplying critical microelectronics used in the production of Russian drones.

NTLab & Kosminis Vytis: These companies are accused of serving as conduits to acquire Western technologies that have “dual-use” potential—meaning they can easily transition from civilian use to military applications.

This intelligence assessment underscores a significant challenge for Western regulators: it is remarkably difficult to police every small, seemingly inactive company in a globalized economy. By exploiting these “zombie” companies, Russian and Belarusian defense sectors are effectively outsourcing their procurement to bypass the very sanctions intended to degrade their capabilities.