Lappeenranta investigates business owner for falsifying tax information in procurement process

The city of Lappeenranta suspects a business owner of attempting to enhance their position in a tendering process by falsifying tax information. According to the city, this fraudulent attempt was intentional and aimed at securing contracts over other competing businesses. The city has filed a complaint with the police regarding the falsification of data.

The alleged forgery pertains to a procurement process for restaurant services, where the city chose the entrepreneur to manage the restaurant at the city hall and provide catering services for the orchestra and theater. The CEO of the company involved in the tendering process, Kolme Kiveä Ravintolat, is Pan Yilei. Lappeenranta’s mayor, Tuomo Sallinen, stated that it is highly unusual for municipal procurement processes to involve falsified information.

Yilei has not responded to requests for comment. The city also suspects other possible fraudulent activities. The Southeastern Finland Police have declined to comment on the police report or provide details about the specific charges. According to Detective Chief Inspector Juha Junkkari, the report is confidential as the preliminary investigation is ongoing.

Pan Yilei had provided restaurant services for the city for over two years. Mayor Sallinen noted that the contract is being terminated immediately and Yilei has one week to vacate the rented premises. The city also plans to investigate any breaches of contract or irregularities that may have arisen during the recently concluded contract period.

In 2021, Pan Yilei was charged with human trafficking, and the case has been postponed multiple times in the South Karelia District Court. The trial is now scheduled to proceed at a hearing planned for the end of October. Further updates will follow.