17 fire tenders, en route from Belarus o Zimbabwe, that were seized by Lithuania have been auctioned due to their alleged connection to a Belarusian company under EU sanctions.
Zimbabwe’s Attorney-General, Mrs. Virginia Mabiza, stated that the country will now pursue a civil claim for damages, arguing that Lithuania violated its property rights under both Lithuanian and international law.
Timeline of the dispute between Zimbabwe and Lithuania over the seized fire tenders:
- March 2023: 17 fire tenders, which were in transit from Belarus to Harare, are intercepted and seized at the port of Klaipeda, Lithuania. The seizure was based on the suspicion that they originated from a Belarusian company under European Union sanctions.
- July 2024: A Lithuanian prosecutor-general orders the forfeiture of the fire trucks for sale as part of a pre-trial investigation.
- Early 2024 – November 2024: Zimbabwe’s Attorney-General, Mrs. Virginia Mabiza, visits Lithuania and appeals the prosecutor’s decision. Zimbabwe argues that it is an innocent third party and the lawful owner of the vehicles, but its protests are rejected.
November 2024: Lithuanian appellate courts uphold the decision to seize and dispose of the consignment.
- January 2, 2025: The ruling from the appellate courts is officially relayed to Zimbabwe.
- September 2025: Zimbabwean authorities conclude that their pre-trial investigative and diplomatic remedies have been exhausted.
- October 2025: Zimbabwe announces it will launch a civil claim against Lithuania, seeking compensation for the seized fire tenders.
