Shoigu’s daughter, a submarine shipyard, and two criminal oligarchs: Meet the Russian business partners of Estonian entrepreneurs

At the same time, earlier this year, the Estonian authorities stripped Russians who permanently reside in Estonia of their right to vote in local elections. The decision was supported by the country’s former prime minister and current EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. As revealed during a scandal two years ago, a company connected with Kalla’s husband, Arvo Hallik, cooperated with the St. Petersburg-based Aeroprom plant, which produces aerosol packaging. Aeroprom LLC is still owned by the Estonian company Pottala OÜ, whose owner is Emeri Lepp. Compared to the pre-invasion year of 2021, Aeroprom’s net profits have increased by a factor of more than five — from 14.3 million rubles in 2021 ($204,000 under the exchange rate at the time) to 78.4 million rubles ($984,000) in 2024.

Meanwhile, Addilon LLC, half of which is controlled through Tallinn-based ADDINOL Lube Oil OÜ, has quadrupled its net profit. The company trades in lubricants.

Smolensk-based SPT LLC, which sells products for the footwear, furniture, and automotive industries, has increased its net profit by one and a half times over the three years of war — to 22 million rubles ($276,000) — with 2024 revenue reaching nearly 1 billion rubles ($12.6 million). The Russian company is owned by the Estonian firm Avail Eesti OÜ. Its beneficiary is Belarusian citizen and Lithuanian resident Pavel Lukatenok.

According to customs data for 2024–2025, SPT imports from Europe a range of goods: polyester polyols, leather, and aromatic agents for household chemicals. Supplies are routed through Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania. Another Estonian company owned by Lukatenok, Belgroup Baltia, is also involved in the supply chain.

In addition, Estonian transport company Estma continues to operate successfully in the Russian market. It is controlled through Aktsiaselts Eesti Mereagentuur by Estonian national Galina Ignatenko. Estma’s revenue last year amounted to 1.1 billion rubles ($13.8 million).