Fraudulent Finnish citizenship scheme involved at least 12 Russians

At least 12 Russian nationals are suspected of obtaining Finnish citizenship through fraud in a scheme uncovered by the Southeast Finland Police and the Finnish Border Guard, Yle reports.

Police suspect that a Russian individual arranged fictitious employment relationships that helped applicants seek Finnish residence permits and citizenship. The main suspect and associates allegedly completed the required language tests and studies on behalf of applicants in exchange for payment.

The activity continued for more than 20 years. The citizenship applicants and the alleged main perpetrator are suspected of aggravated fraud, and the case is now before a prosecutor.

Citizenship can be revoked

Under tightened legislation, Finnish citizenship can be revoked within 10 years of being granted if it was obtained using false or fraudulent information.

The Finnish Immigration Service, known as Migri, makes the decision. There must be sufficient evidence that the information was false, while the police are responsible for the criminal investigation.

Citizenship cost tens of thousands

The case is considered exceptional because of its scale and the length of time involved. It also covers the entire suspected chain, from fictitious employment to language tests.

According to the preliminary investigation, having the main suspect or associates complete language studies on an applicant’s behalf cost about 5,000 to 15,000 euros. Applicants paid between 15,000 and 20,000 euros for language studies, and police found money transfers worth more than 10,000 euros that they suspect were fees.

“Finnish citizenship has cost tens of thousands of euros,” crime commissioner Teppo Tähtinen of the Southeast Finland Police said.

The people who obtained citizenship were ordinary individuals who could afford the process. Some knew the alleged main perpetrator, while others did not. None of the applicants had a previous criminal record.

Some cases had expired

Police said the criminal activity began shortly after 2003. As a result, some cases had passed the limitation period and were not investigated further. There were fewer than 10 such cases.

Most people apply for Finnish citizenship on proper and accurate grounds. More than 10,000 citizenship applications are processed in Finland each year. Some irregularities are found in a few per cent of applications, but only a portion of those involve suspected fraud.

A new citizenship test will be introduced in Finland at the beginning of 2027. Johannes Hirvelä, head of Migri’s information services unit, said it remains to be seen how the change will affect the situation.