Turku requests police investigation into procurement practices

The city of Turku has filed a request for a preliminary police investigation into its infrastructure maintenance procurement, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports. The case involves at least one municipal employee and a representative from a company managing maintenance contracts.

Jarkko Wallinkoski, a member of Turku’s Building and Permit Board (National Coalition Party), told Yle the investigation concerns purchases approved by a city employee. “The full scope of the matter will become clear once the police provide details,” Wallinkoski said. He confirmed receiving information about the case through unofficial channels, supported by an email exchange between himself and City Manager Tuomas Heikkinen.

Heikkinen stated in the correspondence that a preliminary investigation is underway, initiated by the city. Neither Heikkinen nor the Southwest Finland Police would comment further.

The employee in question remains formally employed by the city but is currently on leave, according to Toni Haapakoski, director of infrastructure services. A temporary replacement has been assigned, though the return date for the employee remains unknown.

Wallinkoski suggested the case may involve overbilling in city procurements. The investigation reportedly extends to representatives of a local infrastructure company that has participated in multiple Turku contract tenders. The city employee had been involved in awarding contracts to the firm.

The company’s CEO was removed from their position last Friday, confirmed the chair of its board. The CEO’s contact details have been removed from the company’s website, and their work email deactivated. The board chair did not disclose reasons for the decision.