Antti Santamäki dismissed from prison staff union in Finland following security clearance issues

New information has emerged regarding the dismissal of Antti Santamäki, the head of the prison staff union in Finland. Santamäki was removed from his position as a guard at the Riihimäki prison following a security clearance conducted by the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (SUPO) in October. His dismissal was considered unjustified by the union, which referred to prior issues in Santamäki’s personal life that had already resulted in a verbal warning. At that time, both the union and Santamäki planned to appeal the decision in administrative court.

According to the Criminal Sanctions Agency, the security checks were part of an organizational overhaul, during which factors that contributed to Santamäki’s termination came to light. The assessments also took into account any financial difficulties faced by the personnel.

Reports indicate that a significant reason for the termination involved loans taken from an ex-convict with a history of serious firearm and drug offenses. Santamäki allegedly requested a loan exceeding 20,000 euros from a man formerly associated with a violent gang, whom he had met while working in the prison. This communication occurred in 2018, and a year later, authorities began an investigation after receiving tips about potential misconduct.

The investigation, which involved allegations of bribery and concerns that the loan might compromise Santamäki’s integrity in his role, was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office in 2019. However, the case was not pursued due to insufficient evidence.

In an interview, Santamäki confirmed that he sought the loan to repay other debts stemming from a gambling addiction, which has led him to accumulate substantial financial burdens that he continues to address through debt recovery processes.