Helsinki Garden funding may meet structural corruption criteria, says legal expert

The Helsinki Garden multi-purpose arena project in Taka-Töölö may meet the criteria for structural corruption, according to Pekka Viljanen, emeritus professor of criminal and procedural law, citing public allegations that the 35 million euro investment support granted by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government could be linked to campaign financing.

Viljanen stated that while the truth of these claims cannot be verified, they are serious enough to warrant an investigation by the Chancellor of Justice, who oversees the legality of government actions.

He argued that the funding should have been sought through a standard application process, and bypassing this procedure represents poor administration at minimum. Granting support without an application fails to treat potential beneficiaries equally, Viljanen said.

Structural corruption, he noted, involves the abuse of public power for private gain. Based on the public claims—whose veracity remains unconfirmed—the case could well involve corruption.

The government decided last year during mid-term budget negotiations to allocate 35 million euros to the project. The arena’s development company is chaired by former National Coalition Party politician Jan Vapaavuori. According to Helsingin Sanomat, construction firm SRV has acted as a development partner in the project. SRV’s major owner, Ilpo Kokkila, has been a key fundraiser for the National Coalition Party and has personally donated to it.