Finnish Company Under Investigation for Alleged Money Laundering with Ukrainian Military Contract
Overview
- A money laundering investigation is underway in Finland after a Finnish company received €5.7 million from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.
- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is leading the investigation in cooperation with Ukrainian authorities.
Background
- The funds were reportedly intended for the supplier to provide protective gear to the Ukrainian government.
- However, allegations suggest that some of the money was diverted for personal purchases by a Finnish entrepreneur.
Investigation Details
- Detective Superintendent Kaj Björkqvist, Head of Investigation at the NBI, confirmed that charges against the Finnish entrepreneur and three other suspects are under aggravated money laundering or aggravated embezzlement.
Current Status
- The investigation is at an initial stage.
- Two of the three suspects have been detained on probable cause for aggravated money laundering.
- The third suspect’s remand has not been requested at this time.
Investigation Process
- The NBI is currently investigating the acts of the Finnish companies and individuals involved in the case.
- Ukrainian authorities have opened their own investigation.
Timeline of Events
- The funds were transferred to Finland in late April 2022.
- The Finnish entrepreneur was obliged to supply protection vests to the Government of Ukraine for the amount of money received.
Previous Business Dealings
- A previous contract between the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and the Finnish entrepreneur, signed in 2018, indicates that the company had previously supplied protective equipment to the Ukrainian military.
- If you have any information related to this investigation, please contact the NBI through their official channels.
Updates
- As this is an ongoing investigation, further details will be released as they become available.