Oulu’s former city director faces trial over alleged abuse of office

Oulu’s former city director Päivi Laajala is facing trial for alleged abuse of public office, Yle reports. The proceedings begin on Tuesday at the Oulu District Court.

The charges concern the conduct of Matti Matinheikki, the city’s former director of community affairs. He used city funds to obtain a car, an electric bicycle and a parking space for his private use.

Matinheikki was convicted in February of aggravated abuse of public office and aggravated fraud after admitting the offences in a plea-based trial.

Prosecutors allege that Laajala knew about Matinheikki’s actions but failed to file a police report or refer the matter to Oulu City Board for a decision. Laajala attended a meeting in 2020 where Matinheikki received a warning over his conduct, but the matter was not pursued further.

Laajala, who served as Oulu’s city director until 2022, denies committing a crime.