Finland launches review of Nuorisosäätiö’s activities
In Finland, the Patent and Registration Office (PRH), which supervises foundations, has launched a review of Nuorisosäätiö’s activities. As YLE News reports, the basis for the supervisory measures was publications by the MOT programme about the business transactions of the foundation’s board chair, Jari Laine.
The PRH did not disclose details of the review, citing the ongoing process. The agency monitors whether foundations comply with legislation and their own rules and may initiate supervision both on its own initiative and following a request. According to YLE, the supervisory measures began in May 2026, shortly after the MOT publications.
Laine’s transactions
In February and April 2026, MOT reported on Laine’s transactions, some of which were connected to Nuorisosäätiö. In particular, this concerned an apartment building in Mäntsälä that is personally owned by Laine, but whose apartments were offered for rent through the foundation.
Laine’s company purchased the building. Previously, Nuorisosäätiö had sought compensation of one million from the previous owner in court. The dispute was settled through an amicable agreement. According to MOT, during this settlement Laine effectively represented both parties. Finland’s Foundations Act prohibits granting financial benefits to persons connected with a foundation.
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The foundation’s position
Nuorisosäätiö CEO Kimmo Pilman confirmed that the foundation had received notice that a supervisory case had been opened. At the same time, he said that the PRH had not yet sent a request for an explanation or detailed information about the subject of the review.
Pilman said the foundation would respond openly to any possible request and provide the necessary materials. He also assured that Nuorisosäätiö had complied with foundations legislation, its own rules and principles of good governance. According to him, decisions were made in the interests of the foundation, with conflicts of interest duly taken into account and external experts involved in key matters. Laine had previously told MOT that he acted in the interests of the foundation and recused himself from board decisions concerning the Mäntsälä project.
Nuorisosäätiö rents out apartments it owns to young people at moderate prices. Laine has headed the foundation since 2018. He is not suspected of crimes and is not linked to the case concerning the foundation’s former management. That case led to convictions of former executives and businessmen who conducted business with the foundation; the verdict concerning Aki Haara has not yet entered into force and is being considered by an appeals court.
