Former city manager and municipal services head face serious charges in Oulu

The charges against Oulu’s former city manager and former head of municipal services are unusual and quite serious, according to Matti Tolvanen, an emeritus professor of criminal law. Matti Matinheikki, the former head of community and environmental services, faces accusations of severe misuse of office and aggravated fraud. Meanwhile, former city manager Päivi Laajala is charged with misuse of office.

The allegations pertain to a bicycle, a car, and a parking space that were allegedly used for personal purposes, according to the prosecution. Both Laajala and Matinheikki have denied the charges.

Tolvanen anticipates significant evidential challenges in the case. He notes that the court must decide the primary intended use of the bicycle, car, and parking space Matinheikki acquired — whether for work or private use. Fraud requires that the actions were taken to gain benefits and caused actual harm. “Fraud offenses are not necessarily easy to prove,” says Tolvanen.

Regarding the city manager’s involvement, the inquiry will focus on his knowledge of Matinheikki’s potential misuse of city assets, which also presents difficulties. “Many times, the regulatory framework is somewhat ambiguous regarding how oversight should be conducted and who should be in charge,” Tolvanen points out.

While it is rare, it is not entirely unique for a city manager to face criminal charges. The maximum sentence for both aggravated abuse of office and aggravated fraud is four years, while misuse of office carries a maximum penalty of two years. The minimum penalty for all charges involves fines.

Päivi Laajala served as Oulu’s city manager until 2022, and Matinheikki previously applied for the role after her departure but withdrew his application, citing concerns about a personal warning he received regarding the misuse of city property.