Finnish court dismisses bribery charges against city officials hosted by construction firm

A Helsinki district court has dismissed bribery charges against two city employees and three construction company workers, ruling that corporate hospitality at ice hockey games in 2020 did not meet the legal threshold for corruption, Yle reports.

The court determined that the hospitality—food and drinks provided in a private box during three matches—constituted routine entertainment comparable to traditional “raising of the roof” celebrations in Finnish business culture. Judges found no evidence that the events, valued at approximately €90 per person per game, were intended to improperly influence city decision-making.

All five defendants, including a Helsinki project manager and construction engineer still employed by the city, had denied the charges. The three construction firm employees accused of offering bribes—two site supervisors and their unit manager—left the company in 2021.

While the court acknowledged the appearances were “not ideal” given ongoing city contracts with the firm, it noted that proving corrupt intent in such social settings is particularly difficult. Helsinki’s own internal review had earlier concluded the hospitality violated the city’s ethical guidelines for receiving gifts.

The case was first reported by Helsingin Sanomat.