Police confirm investigation into Turku procurement irregularities

Southwest Finland Police have confirmed they are investigating irregularities in procurement by the city of Turku, Yle reports.

A former city employee, whose contract was terminated last week over invoicing discrepancies, has had assets seized as security in a court order. The employee denies wrongdoing.

On Thursday, the District Court of Southwest Finland considered a request to seize the employee’s property as collateral. Such measures can be taken if there is a risk a suspect may conceal or destroy assets to avoid paying potential fines.

The employee, who was unaware of the seizure request until contacted by Yle, said police detained and questioned them for three days in May without specifying the suspected offence. The employee is consulting a lawyer.

A separate seizure request was also considered for the former CEO of an infrastructure company. Yle reported in May that the CEO had been removed from their position, with the company’s board chair confirming the move but declining to comment on the reason, stating it concerned an individual, not the company itself.

Police have previously declined to confirm any investigation into Turku’s procurement.