Helsinki court to deliver verdict in bribery case involving Olli Sorainen and Jukka Kristo

The Helsinki District Court is set to deliver its verdict today at 1 PM regarding a bribery case tied to the berry-picking industry. This decision is notable as one of the defendants is Olli Sorainen, a government advisor. Prosecutor Mari Mattila is seeking a suspended prison sentence for Sorainen for severe bribery, while former CEO of Polarica Marjanhankinta Oy, Jukka Kristo, also faces demands for a suspended sentence for offering a serious bribe.

The prosecutor alleges that Kristo committed bribery when he arranged the purchase of two violins that ultimately went to a minor family member of Sorainen’s. Sorainen reportedly requested Kristo or his company to fund this purchase. According to Mattila, the value of the bribes has been estimated at €7,500.

The prosecutor stated that Sorainen was involved in distributing quotas for berry pickers, which was crucial for the company’s operations during his tenure from 2018 to 2022. Kristo was the CEO and chairman of Polarica Marjanhankinta Oy at the time of the alleged bribery.

In defense, Sorainen acknowledged the violin arrangements but claimed they were merely a sponsorship agreement, indicating that he had no real influence on the quota assignments. Mari Onkamo, chair of Polarica’s board, has been charged with aiding and abetting the bribery, while all defendants, including Kristo, have denied the charges.

Additionally, Kristo is facing separate legal troubles in Lapland, where he is accused of serious human trafficking crimes and potentially faces a prison sentence of at least five years. He has denied these allegations as well.