The finance ministry investigators said that “multiple company premises and homes” were searched, but did not name the company concerned. Two people aged 39 and 60 were arrested.

Officials also seized physical and digital records and data carriers. The investigation, led by the public prosecution service is ongoing and no further details have been released.

The company and the two individuals are suspected of violating and “knowingly and deliberately” circumventing sanctions against Russia from autumn 2022. This, the FD said, indicates that the case is separate from an earlier investigation into alleged sanctions breaches involving deliveries of cranes and ship parts to Russia in summer 2022.

A separate criminal case began in Zwolle last Monday against the company itself, Kommer Damen and ceo Arnout Damen. That case concerns not only the earlier sanctions allegations but also possible corruption.

The company told the FD on Wednesday it had already conducted “extensive research” into the matters now under investigation and had shared its findings with customs authorities.

Damen said it is fully cooperating with “all competent authorities” and maintains that it has “always acted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations”.

Damen, based in Gorinchem and with annual revenues of €3 billion, is the Netherlands’ largest shipbuilder and the country’s only marine yard capable of producing naval vessels.