Former Head of Finnish Intelligence Charged in High-Profile Case
Antti Peltari, the former head of Finland’s Security Police (Supo), has been formally charged with abuse of official authority. The case is related to the activities of the intelligence services in countering Russian espionage.
Finnish law enforcement agencies are investigating the circumstances under which official procedures may have been violated during the intelligence agency’s operations. Further details of the case are not being disclosed at this time.
The criminal charge is linked to the largest investigation in history conducted against Supo. The events in question took place in August–September 2020.
The investigation is examining whether Supo illegally used retirees to counter Russian espionage attempts. In particular, the retirees are alleged to have received classified information from Supo and handled it without proper oversight by the Security Police.
In addition to Peltari, charges have been brought against former counterintelligence chief Pertti Haaksluoto and a third individual. They are accused of abuse of office.
According to the investigation, Peltari is suspected, among other things, of making decisions regarding intelligence operations in violation of applicable regulations. He is also suspected of participating in an operation during which false or misleading information was provided to the court.
Both Peltari and Haaksluoto deny any involvement in the crimes.
A more lenient sentence has been requested for Peltari than for his subordinates. Abuse of official authority is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to one year. For abuse of official position, the minimum penalty is a fine, and the maximum is imprisonment for up to two years.
Previously, Peltari and Haaksluoto were suspected of more serious crimes, including the disclosure of secrets, which falls under the category of treason.
This was reported by Helsingin Sanomat.
Finland has restricted air and maritime traffic due to the threat posed by drones.
As a reminder, due to the Russian threat, Finland has restricted shipping in the Gulf of Finland.
On the morning of July 4, the Finnish Armed Forces temporarily restricted air and maritime traffic in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland. These measures were implemented for security reasons.
