Lithuania, Latvia see Kremlin-linked retailer close – but a lookalike raises questions

Lithuania, Latvia see Kremlin-linked retailer close – but a lookalike raises questions

Lithuanian authorities are investigating whether the Russian-owned discount supermarket chain Mere, forced to close following European Union sanctions, has re-emerged under a new brand. The country's Minister of the Economy and Innovation has asked the Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) to determine whether newly opened Ola stores are linked to sanctioned Russian business interests and represent an attempt to circumvent EU sanctions.