Court proceedings commence in Helsinki over alleged corruption in Finnish berry industry

The Helsinki District Court is set to commence today proceedings concerning alleged corruption in the berry industry. Jukka Kristo, the former CEO of the berry company Polarica, faces charges of aggravated bribery. Olli Sorainen, a senior advisor in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, is accused of aggravated accepting of bribes.

Last week, the Lapland District Court began a trial against Kristo, who is facing numerous charges related to serious human trafficking offenses connected to the treatment of Thai berry pickers. Sorainen has played a significant role in the decision-making process regarding the annual influx of foreign berry pickers to Finland.

Both defendants deny any wrongdoing.