Coast Guard commander Risto Jääskeläinen under investigation for service crime in Finland

According to Yle, Risto Jääskeläinen, the commander of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard, is under investigation for a service crime. Sanna Palo, head of the legal department at the Border Guard, confirmed that Jääskeläinen will not continue in his role due to the criminal investigation related to the allegations. The incidents that led to his suspension on July 22 became known to the Border Guard, and Jääskeläinen’s official duties ended the following day. Furthermore, he has resigned from his position and plans to retire early in September.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is currently looking into the allegations against Jääskeläinen, which involve high-ranking officials within the Border Guard. Sami Liimatainen from the NBI stated that the request for investigation originated from the Border Guard’s headquarters. He emphasized that the inquiry primarily focuses on cases involving allegations against senior officials of the Border Guard or the defense forces. The duration of the investigation will largely depend on the extent of inquiries required, and the NBI has not disclosed the name of the suspect at this stage.

Service crimes can lead to a maximum prison sentence of one year. Such offenses may include failing to fulfill duties, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty, or seeking to avoid service through false pretenses.

Jääskeläinen, who has held the command since 2020, quietly stepped down at the end of July, with Mikko Simola appointed as his successor effective July 24. Originally, this change was planned for the turn of the year. Jääskeläinen began his career in the Coast Guard in 1992 and has received multiple honors, including the Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland awarded by President Sauli Niinistö in 2018.