KRP names 17 suspects in alleged Konecranes trade secret case

Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation suspects 17 people of offences linked to an alleged breach of trade secrets involving lifting equipment manufacturer Konecranes, Yle reported.

The bureau investigated allegations that employees of a Finnish company misused trade secrets and abused a position of trust. They are suspected of using information obtained from the company to set up a similar business under another company’s name.

According to the National Bureau of Investigation, the employees also agreed with the receiving company on arrangements that would have enabled them to join the new company’s operations.

Representatives of the Finnish company that received the business are suspected of misusing trade secrets and of aiding the alleged breach of trade secrets and abuse of a position of trust.

Konecranes confirmed to the Finnish News Agency STT that the case concerns an incident discovered in 2022 involving the company’s machine tool maintenance business in Finland.