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Man first to be fined for sending art to Russia

Richard PriceWest Midlands
HMRC A piece of artwork with brightly coloured features. It depicts a mana with a beard wearing wearing what appears to be religious or regal clothing. The artwork is sat on light-coloured paper which seems to be the packaging it was kept in.HMRC
HMRC said officers seized artwork at Heathrow Airport that was being sent to Russia in breach of UK government sanctions

A businessman has become the first person to be convicted of breaching UK sanctions relating to exporting luxury goods to Russia.

Jonathan Hornby, from Nantwich, Cheshire, tried to send four pieces of artwork to Russia in February 2024, according to HMRC.

He was fined a total of £30,085 after Border Force officers seized the shipment at Heathrow Airport.

Hornby, 54, admitted the offences at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

"This conviction shows the consequences of breaching Russia sanctions that we can and do investigate," said Edwige Hill, deputy director in HMRC's fraud investigation service.

"Non-compliance with Russia sanctions is a serious offence and together with our international partners, the UK government has implemented the most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy."

The consignment was linked to both of Hornby's business, Global Customs Systems UK Limited and In Time Worldwide Express Ltd, HMRC said.

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