Europe · updated 2h ago · 2 min read
Finland Investigates Suspected Break-Ins at MPs’ Homes, Jussi Halla-Aho Says Cases Are Significant
Police opened a preliminary inquiry into suspected intrusions at several MPs' homes. No forced entry or theft; MPs reported small signs, PM cites possible foreign power.
10 outlets told this the same way.
8 of 9 outlets skipped it: yle says fewer than 20 MPs were suspected to be targeted.
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MP homes probed
Finland launched a preliminary inquiry into suspected break-ins at the homes of members of parliament after MPs reported unexplained signs inside their residences.
“‘It is very possible. Quite possible in this day and age.”
Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho told a press conference that he could not comment precisely on the number of suspected cases known to parliament but said it was “significant”.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said it was “very possible. Quite possible in this day and age” that a foreign power could be behind the suspected intrusions.
Helsinki police said they were working with the national bureau of investigation and that “The inquiry is at an early stage, and the police have nothing further to comment on at this time.”
Security, borders, and elections
The suspected incidents were described as occurring over a longer period of time, with the first believed to have taken place about a year ago. Jussi Halla-aho told reporters that it was “significant” and said the behavior was “associated with state actors,” while also saying there was no information to comment on at that time and no point in speculating.
President Alexander Stubb said, “An attack on a member of parliament is an attack on democracy,” and he said it “should not be allowed or accepted in any form.” Orpo warned that the risk of election interference must be taken seriously as parliamentary elections approach, and he said, “We see in several European countries that Russia has sought to influence elections.”
What investigators say next
Helsinki police confirmed they had received information from parliament about suspected intrusions at MPs’ homes and began a preliminary inquiry into the matter. Deputy speaker Paula Risikko said she was informed last week of the suspicions and said Helsinki police had been tasked with the “initial stage of the investigation.”
“Helsinki police had been tasked with the ‘initial stage of the investigation.’”
Halla-aho said MPs were told to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, and he said it was possible that “the signs were deliberately left to be noticed.” The Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, Supo, told Yle it had no information showing that authoritarian states’ intelligence and security services used this method in Finland or elsewhere in Europe, while also confirming it was aware of the cases.