Former Supo chief charged with breach of official duty

Yle reports, citing Helsingin Sanomat, that former Supo chief Antti Pelttari has been charged with breach of official duty. The case is the largest criminal investigation in the history of Finland’s Security Intelligence Service.

The events under investigation took place between August and September 2020. Investigators are examining whether Supo unlawfully used retired people in efforts to counter Russian espionage. The retirees are suspected of having received classified information from Supo that they may have handled without the agency’s supervision.

Pelttari is suspected of making decisions on intelligence methods in breach of regulations, as well as taking part in an operation in which false or misleading information was provided to a court.

Pertti Haaksluoto, a former head of counterintelligence, and a third person have also been charged with abuse of public office. Pelttari and Haaksluoto have denied the allegations.

Pelttari faces a lighter potential sentence than his subordinates. Breach of official duty is punishable by a fine or up to one year in prison.

State Prosecutor Mikko Männikkö and Deputy Prosecutor General Jukka Rappe are bringing the charges.

Haaksluoto and the third person were previously charged with abuse of public office over events between spring and late autumn 2020. The latest charges concern a shorter period, from August 18 to September 9, 2020. Helsingin Sanomat reported that some of the charges involving Pelttari and Haaksluoto were not pursued further.