Financial Crime World

Combating Financial Crime in Finland: Advanced Investigation Techniques

Tracking Down Perpetrators with Detailed Subject Profiles

In a bid to combat financial crime and ensure the integrity of its financial system, Finnish authorities are turning to advanced investigation techniques. At the heart of these efforts is the creation of detailed subject profiles, which involve gathering and analyzing information on targets, including:

  • Aliases
  • Dates and places of birth
  • Telephone numbers
  • Email addresses
  • Other contact details

This information is used to establish links between suspects and foreign jurisdictions, facilitating international cooperation and asset recovery.

Collecting Financial Data: A Crucial Step in Investigations

Finnish investigators are also focusing on collecting financial data on targets, including:

  • Assets and liabilities
  • Income
  • Expenses

Gathering documents from a range of sources, such as government agencies, financial institutions, law firms, and real estate agents is essential. Practitioners must ensure that this information is reliable and admissible in court.

The Power of Open-Source Investigations

Open-source information plays a crucial role in Finnish financial crime investigations. Investigators use publicly available data to gather intelligence on targets, their families, and associates, as well as associated businesses. This can be obtained from:

  • Official public records
  • Private databases
  • Social media
  • News media
  • Educational records

Finnish authorities have access to a range of open-source tools and resources, including:

  • Financial Action Task Force (FATF) reports
  • Informational country reports
  • Asset recovery guides
  • Beneficial ownership guides

They also utilize investigative reporting and non-governmental organization (NGO) reports from organizations such as the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Global Witness, and Global Financial Integrity.

Combining Open-Source and Physical Surveillance Techniques

In addition to open-source investigations, Finnish authorities are using physical surveillance and other techniques to gather evidence. These methods can provide leads or information that will become grounds for additional measures, such as obtaining bank account information or search and seizure warrants.

By employing these advanced investigation techniques, Finnish authorities aim to disrupt financial crime networks, recover stolen assets, and protect the integrity of its financial system. As the country continues to evolve in its efforts to combat financial crime, it is likely that these techniques will become even more sophisticated and effective.